Toronto Raptors vs Memphis Grizzlies: Looking to snap an 8-game losing streak

The Raptors are in Memphis, looking to stop the bleeding and return to the winning column. It may be tough, but at least we’ll see a retro night featuring the Raptors and Grizzlies’ retro jerseys.

It’s been a minute since the Raptors registered their most recent win, and they are now in Memphis, TN, looking to snap an eight-game losing streak. Unfortunately, the Raptors must do it against one of the best teams in the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies didn’t let the injuries to their key players dictate their season, and their system fostered a next-man-up mentality, leading to a 20-10 record through 30 games. On the flipside, the Raptors are nearing play-in extinction, with only seven wins to show in 30 games.

The Raptors/Grizzlies head-to-head since coach Darko Rajakovic’s been surprisingly competitive, with both teams splitting their last four games, and all of the games were competitive for the most part. However, last season was a “write-off” for the Grizzlies, who had to deal with Ja Morant’s off-court issues, among others. This year, the Grizzlies are back with a vengeance.

For the Raptors to have a chance, they will need more from their franchise player, Scottie Barnes. Barnes hasn’t been the same since suffering from a debilitating ankle injury earlier this month. His numbers since his return have been significantly low, putting up 15 points, 5.3 rebounds, and six assists.

Barnes’ recent struggles got him playing through his weaknesses, settling for perimeter plays and opting to shoot from near the logo at times. Hopefully, the break got him a few more days of respite, and he came back much healthier. Barnes looked much closer to the player he’s shown this season against the New York Knicks a few nights ago — putting up 21 points through three quarters, attacking from the Melo range instead of Steph Curry range.

However, Barnes will need a lot of help if the Raptors are to pull an upset against the Grizzlies. Jonathan Mogbo’s been underwhelming since he stepped into Jakob Poeltl’s starting spot, but Ja’Kobe Walter (13 points, 42.9% 3P%), Gradey Dick (19.6 points, 38.9 3P%), and Ochai Agbaji (13.4 points) all have stepped up since Barnes’ injury. RJ Barret’s been the steady source of production for the Raptors this season, putting up a career-best 23.5 points, 6.7 boards, and 6.1 dimes.

The Grizzlies will be a formidable opponent for the Raptors, as they have won 12 of their last 15 games and are second in the NBA in home wins (13). They have also won four of their last five Boxing Day games.d

We all know Ja Morant, Grizzlies’ face of the franchise, who’s averaging 21.3 points and 7.9 dimes, but between Zach Edey and Jaren Jackson Jr., it’ll be a rough trip to the paint for the most part for the Raptors. Edey grabbed 14 boards and swatted three shots against the Los Angeles Clippers, while JJJ leads the Grizzlies in points (21.5 points), steals (1.4), and blocks (1.6).

Coach Rajakovic spent time as an assistant coach in Memphis, so hopefully, he’s got some Synergy data on his former team to develop a competent game plan to take his former team down.

Where to Watch

Sportsnet, 8:00 PM EST

Lineups

Toronto: RJ Barrett, Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji, Jonathan Mogbo, Scottie Barnes

Memphis: Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaylen Wells, mmons, Keon Johnson, Cameron Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith, Nic Claxton

Injuries

Toronto: Immanuel Quickley - elbow (OUT), Jakob Poeltl - groin (OUT), Bruce Brown - knee/conditioning (OUT), Jamal Shead - knee (questionable), Ja’Kobe Walter - illness (questionable)

Memphis: GG Jackson - foot (OUT), Marcus Smart - finger (OUT), Jay Huff - ankle (OUT), Vince Williams Jr - ankle (OUT)