Martin has been a pleasant surprise for disappointing Kings

Kevin Martin has been a pleasant surprise this season for the Kings. The 6-7 shooting guard is averaging a team-best 20.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 75 games this season. Controversial Ron Artest has grabbed a club- high 6.6 rebounds per game, while point guard Mike Bibby leads Sacramento in assists (4.8 apg).

Martin has scored in double-digits in six straight games. He is averaging 22.3 points and 4.7 rebounds in that span.

The NBA-worst Memphis Grizzlies attempt to put the brakes on a five-game losing streak, as they host the Kings on Tuesday at the FedExForum. It is the third and final meeting of the campaign between the clubs. The teams split the first two contests, as both squads picked up a win at home.

Sacramento has lost three straight and five of its last six at Memphis.

The Kings also try to get back on the winning track, as they play the first of a brief two-game road trip. All-Star Tracy McGrady poured in 40 points, pulled down eight rebounds and dished out 10 assists to lift the Houston Rockets to a 112-106 win over the Kings at the Toyota Center.

Martin ended with 24 points in the loss to the Rockets for Sacramento. Francisco Garcia netted 16 for the Kings, who have lost 13 of their last 16 games overall.

The Kings are 11-27 on the road this season. They will visit Tim Duncan and the Spurs on Wednesday at the AT&T Center, before returning home to host the Golden State Warriors on Friday.

After Friday’s contest, the Kings will visit the Clippers on Sunday at the Staples Center. Sacramento will finish its season with a pair of home games against the Hornets and Lakers.

Sacramento has scored 100 or more points in seven of its last eight contests, but is just 2-6 in that span.