Raptors at Memphis Grizzlies: Preview & 3 keys to victory
By Graeme Klayh
The Toronto Raptors visit Memphis to face the wounded Grizzlies. Like all teams where hungry rotation players are stepping into front-line roles, they should not be taken lightly.
The extremely short-handed yet surprising Memphis Grizzlies are still trucking through the Western Conference, and even look like a lock for the 5th seed. The injury bug has bit the Grizz, and bit down hard. Just look at their starting lineup for tonight:
PG – Jordan Farmar
SG – Tony Allen
SF – Matt Barnes
PF – Zach Randolph
C – Chris Anderson
Compare that patchwork with the starting five who lost to the Trailblazers in OT on February 9:
PG – Mike Conley (lost to injury)
SF – Tony Allen (out of position)
SG – Courtney Lee (waived; now with Charlotte)
PF – Zach Randolph (hanging in there, but lonely)
C – Marc Gasol (see below)
Why do I mention that date and game? Because that night, Marc Gasol was lost for the season with a broken bone in his foot. Mike Conley has since been sidelined with ankle problems, and backup Mario Chalmers is also out. Boy, have the Raptors been lucky by comparison.
The Toronto Raptors have a noticeable upgrade over each of their positions except the PF, yet the Grizzlies are still winning. The Raptors would be smart to rest Lowry in this game since the depth of the Raps should trump whatever Memphis can throw at them. Lowry had another abysmal shooting performance (4 of 19) in the Raptors 50th win of the season. Toronto will not likely catch the Cleveland Cavaliers for first and are locked in the second seed, so why not get him right for the playoffs?
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The Memphis Grizzlies on the other hand, as surprising as their position now, are 2-10 in their last 12 games. Their lack of talent is devastating and can’t survive in this league. As well as Dave Joerger has coached his team this season, their depth is seriously lacking. [20-second timeout: Joerger should get danger pay or something. He coaches two of the NBA’s most “out-there” players, Barnes and Lance Stephenson. I’d like to ask either of them “What colour is the sun in your world?” but I’d likely earn a punch in the nose.]
Hopefully the Raptors all-stars will be able to get some rest for this match and the team should be able to win if they…
- …keep Memphis’ only offensive weapon, Zach Randolph, under wraps. The Grizzlies put up 105 points against Denver, led by Randolph’s 26 points. Memphis is 31-10 in games they score more than 100.
- …take care of the role players. This Memphis team is filled top to bottom with role players. Don’t take anyone for granted.
- …don’t let up. The Grizzlies are 32‐6 when leading at the half (8‐24 when trailing or tied), 27‐4 when leading after the third quarter and 41‐7 when they hold the lead at any point in the fourth quarter. Watch out for this stubborn team.
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I hope that some players get some rest, and others gain the opportunity to prove they can beat a lesser team. Led by solid D, I expect a 103-91 advantage for the Raptors.