Grizzlies-Kings Preview

The Memphis Grizzlies have big expectations for this season after signing Allen Iverson. The most pressure on Iverson might be coming from the 10-time All Star himself.

After sitting out the Grizzlies' first three games, Iverson is set to debut with his new team Monday night at the winless Sacramento Kings.

When Iverson signed with Memphis (1-2) in September, he was hardly the highly sought-after free agent he thought he deserved to be. The 33-year-old guard would agree to a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Grizzlies amid questions about declining skills.

"This year for me is so personal," Iverson said after the signing.

"It's basically going to be my rookie season again. It hurts, but I turn the TV on, I read the paper, I listen to some of the things people say about me having the season that I had last year and me losing a step, things like that. They're trying to put me in a rocking chair already."

It didn't help that Iverson suffered a partially torn left hamstring during training camp, causing him to miss Memphis' first three games. He declined to speak with reporters Sunday night, saying he'll talk when he plays in a game.

In addition to the injury, Iverson will be looking to put a disappointing 2008-09 behind him. After spending most of his career with Philadelphia, Iverson was traded to Denver in 2006, and then to Detroit last November. He averaged 17.4 points in 54 games with the Pistons, before the team announced in early April that he was being shut him down with back problems -- a decision that came shortly after Iverson publicly voiced his frustration with having to come off the bench.

While Iverson -- expected to be part of a three-guard rotation with O.J. Mayo and Mike Conley -- is looking to rejuvenate his career, the Grizzlies are hoping he can provide a veteran presence on a team that is coming off three consecutive seasons with fewer than 25 wins.

Memphis is looking to bounce back following a 133-123 loss to the Nuggets on Sunday. Coming off a win against Toronto, the Grizzlies shot 70 percent en route to 40 points in the first quarter, but fell behind 67-66 by halftime and couldn't regain control.

"I thought we were in good shape at halftime," said Mayo, who scored a career-high 40 points after finishing with a combined 27 in Memphis' first two games. "But in the third quarter it seemed like they scored for 10 or 12 straight minutes."

The Kings, meanwhile, return home after going winless on a three-game trip to start the season. Sacramento lost 113-94 to San Antonio on Sunday, falling behind by 16 points at the half and 21 early in the third quarter. Kevin Martin scored 29 points while Spencer Hawes added 22 and 10 rebounds off the bench. They were the only Kings to finish in double figures, however, while the Spurs shot 58.1 percent.

"It was over relatively early," first-year Kings coach Paul Westphal said. "Tonight was a good lesson for a young team. We were beating our heads against the walls trying to figure out how to beat this team and stay in the game."

Sacramento and Memphis split four meetings last season, with each winning once on the road. Iverson averaged 26.5 points in two games against the Kings in 2008-09.