The Toronto Raptors will head to Memphis to take on the Grizzlies on Boxing Day.
This matchup is going to feature one of the best jersey battles ever:
An all-time jersey battle tonight 🔥 pic.twitter.com/hBUWKCOFSy
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) December 26, 2024
The Raptors are in the midst of an eight-game losing streak and they’re going to have to pull off a massive upset against one of the best teams in the Western Conference to snap it.
The Grizzlies have been led by their All-Star Ja Morant who’s averaging 21.3 points and 7.9 assists per game. The Raptors must try and contain Morant who gets to the rim at will. The other player the Raptors might have a big problem with is Jaren Jackson Jr. who has been solid this season averaging 21.5 points along with 1.6 blocks per game. Without Poeltl, Jackson Jr. will be a handful. Also, the Raptors won’t have much size going up against Canadian Zach Edey’s who will be playing against the Raptors for the first time in his career.
Poeltl remains out with a groin injury, while Immanuel Quickley (elbow) and Bruce Brown (knee) are out. Jamal Shead (knee) and Ja’Kobe Walter (illness) are questionable to play.
For the Grizzlies, Jay Huff (ankle), Marcus Smart (finger), Vince Williams Jr. (ankle) and GG Jackson II (foot) are all out.
Toronto will need their top guys to have big games. Scottie Barnes needs to be aggressive early and RJ Barrett needs to set the tone with his offense. If Walter doesn’t play, the Raptors will lean on Gradey Dick even more for his shooting. Toronto will need their best performance yet if they want any chance of knocking off Memphis.
Toronto Raptors (7-23) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (20-10)
8:00 p.m. EST, Thursday, December 26, 2024
FedEx Forum, Memphis, Tennessee
TV: Sportsnet
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: RJ Barrett
SG: Gradey Dick
SF: Ochai Agbaji
PF: Scottie Barnes
C: Jonathan Mogbo
Key Reserves: Kelly Olynyk, Chris Boucher, Jamison Battle
Projected Grizzlies Starting Lineup:
PG: Ja Morant
SG: Desmond Bane
SF: Jaylen Wells
PF: Jaren Jackson Jr.
C: Zach Edey
Key Reserves: Santi Aldama, Scotty Pippen Jr., Luke Kennard
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