The Toronto Raptors head out on the road to take on the Memphis Grizzlies, which begins a six-game west coast road trip.
Coming off a strong win against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto looks to keep the winning ways going.
After acquiring Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett from the Knicks in the O.G. Anunoby trade, the Raptors look rejuvenated. Having two players who can get their own is key alongside Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes.
This is the first meeting between Toronto and Memphis. With Ja Morant back from his 25-game suspension, this will be a tougher game for the Raptors.
Morant, Desmond Bane and reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Jaren Jackson are all averaging 20 or more points, a test for Toronto’s defense. However, Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic was an assistant for the Grizzlies for a few seasons, which may help with game planning against them.
While Memphis’ young stars are playing, they are dealing with a fair amount of injuries. Steven Adams, Brandon Clarke, Derrick Rose and Vince Williams Jr. are all out for Wednesday’s game.
For the Raptors, Christian Koloko remains out with a respiratory issue and Otto Porter Jr. is questionable with a right knee sprain.
The Grizzlies have struggled to protect their home floor as they have a lowly 3-12 record. This bodes well for the Raptors’ chances of picking up a win to begin the road trip.
If Rajakovic can put together a formidable plan to contain Morant, that will make things difficult for a Memphis team that only averages 106.7 points a contest.
With limited bench depth, Toronto has to take advantage and force role players to beat them.
Toronto Raptors (13-20) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (11-22)
8:00 p.m. ET, Wednesday, January 3, 2024
FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee
TV: Sportsnet
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Immanuel Quickley
SG: RJ Barrett
SF: Scottie Barnes
PF: Pascal Siakam
C: Jakob Poeltl
Key Reserves: Dennis Schroder, Gary Trent Jr., Chris Boucher
Projected Grizzlies Starting Lineup:
PG: Ja Morant
SG: Desmond Bane
SF: Marcus Smart
PF: Jaren Jackson Jr.
C: Bismack Biyombo
Key Reserves: Santi Aldama, Luke Kennard, Ziaire Williams
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