Grizzlies vs Raptors Preview
The Toronto Raptors are out of the play-in race, while on the other hand, the Memphis Grizzlies race with the Golden State Warriors for the 8th spot in the West. Reaching that position would allow them to have a significant advantage over their rivals in the battle for the playoff seed. Though, the Raps won’t give up that easy, and be sure that the 2019 champions (or what is left from them) will come into this one with 100% of their power.
Grizzlies vs Raptors Schedule
- Where: Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida
- When: Saturday, May 8, 7:30pm ET
- How to Watch: TSN, Bally Sports SE-MEM
Grizzlies vs Raptors Odds
| Team | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Grizzlies | -1.5 | 228.5 |
| Raptors | +1.5 | 228.5 |
Memphis Slows Down In the Worst Possible Moment
The Grizzlies have just two wins in the previous seven games, which is the main reason for their downfall in the standings. Instead of fighting for the spot that leads directly into the postseason, the franchise from Memphis is stuck in the play-in zone.
Their previous defeat came in Detroit against the Pistons, 111-97. It was one night following a spectacular match in Minnesota against the Timberwolves, and it seems that the youngsters from Memphis didn’t have the energy to compete with the mediocre hosts.
Ja Morant had 20 points, while Jonas Valanciunas scored 19 with 16 boards. Jaren Jackson Jr, played 25 minutes off the bench delivering 17 buckets.
Raptors Ending a Poor Season
Truth be told, when looking at the whole picture, the Raptors could do better, but nobody won’t criticize Nick Nurse and his team. They practically relocated, and played without the fans, lost several big-time players, gathering the assets for the upcoming offseason and the new rebuild. Oh, and not to forget, went against the reasonable decision to trade away Kyle Lowry, but stick to their legend.
Similar to the Grizzlies, they two have two wins recently, only in eight matches. The last couple of them were against the LA Clippers and the Washington Wizards, the latter following an OT, 131-129.
Pascal Siakam was monstrous in this match, with the former Most Improved Player of the Year dropping 44 points, 11 boards and seven assists. Gary Trent Jr had 25, while Fred Van Vleet 22. Kyle Lowry didn’t play this one, and he won’t be available for the Grizzlies, according to the sources within the team.
Grizzlies vs Raptors Head to Head
Back on February 8, these teams met, and the Raptors posted a win in Tennessee, 128-113. The Raps rolled over the rivals in the last period outscoring them 34-16. Siakam had 32 points, the same as VanVleet, while Jonas Valanciunas had one of the best games in his career, 27 points, and 20 boards. Brooks added 20 for the Grizzlies.
Grizzlies vs Raptors Prediction and Pick
Our gut tells us to bet on the Raptors, who, despite Lowry’s absence, seem better at the moment than the Grizzlies. Their previous three losses were with four or fewer points, while on the other side, Memphis lost its games pretty routinely. This might sound a bit odd for you as hosts lost all the chances to reach the playoffs, but that just might be the motive to drag someone down with them, or at least making their lives much more complicated.
