The Toronto Raptors will take on the Memphis Grizzlies in their final game before the NBA Trade Deadline.
With many trade rumors swirling around, the Raptors could have a busy next 24 hours.
But first they will take on one of the best teams in the Western Conference. Memphis comes into this game riding a three-game win streak and they’ve won 9 of 10 games. After a down year last season, the Grizzlies have risen to the top of the standings this season. Jaren Jackson Jr. is having a career year for points and he is coming off a 31-point performance in a win against the San Antonio Spurs.
For the Raptors their rookies were on full display as they almost pulled off an epic comeback against the New York Knicks on Monday night. Jamal Shead led the charge with his best game as a pro and Ja’Kobe Walter along with Jonathan Mogbo played a factor in Toronto’s second-half comeback attempt.
The rookies are expected to get even more playing time in this one as the Raptors will be without three starters. RJ Barrett remains in the concussion protocol and he has been ruled out again for tonight’s game. Jakob Poeltl is out with a hip pointer and Immanuel Quickley will also get the night off for injury management since this game is the second night of a back-to-back. Chris Boucher who missed Monday night’s game is still questionable due to illness.
The Raptors being down three starters and potentially four rotation players will make this an incredibly difficult matchup to win. Shead and Walter should slide into the starting lineup, with Mogbo getting key rotation minutes from off the bench. Also, Davion Mitchell should get back into the rotation with Quickley out.
Memphis Grizzlies (34-16) vs. Toronto Raptors (16-34)
7:30 p.m. EST, Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
TV: Sportsnet
Projected Grizzlies Starting Lineup:
PG: Ja Morant
SG: Luke Kennard
SF: Jaylen Wells
PF: Jaren Jackson Jr.
C: Zach Edey
Key Reserves: GG Jackson II, Scotty Pippen Jr., Jake LaRavia
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Jamal Shead
SG: Gradey Dick
SF: Ja’Kobe Walter
PF: Scottie Barnes
C: Kelly Olynyk
Key Reserves: Bruce Brown, Davion Mitchell, Jonathan Mogbo
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