Grizzlies (11-7) at Raptors (11-6): Preview

Game 2 on the Raptors homestand is against a severely shorthanded Memphis Grizzlies squad. Can the Raptors take advantage of their opponents’ misfortune?

The Memphis Grizzlies would normally pose a much bigger challenge to the Toronto Raptors than did the Philadelphia 76ers. However, Memphis was whacked on Monday night by a serious injury to one of its most important players, point guard Mike Conley. He was knocked down hard, some vertebrae were damaged, and he’s gone until mid-January at the earliest.

Memphis will be scrambling to find a replacement. Wade Baldwin is listed behind Conley on the depth chart, so I assume he’ll get the start. Zach Randolph has been away from the team following the death of his mother. I don’t know if he’ll be in Toronto, nor do I know whether Vince Carter will be healthy enough to play. Chandler Parsons is unlikely to dress due to a sore knee.

Apr 1, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) and speaks with guard Mike Conley (right) after the game at FedExForum. Toronto beat Memphis 99-95. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

With a roster so shorthanded, the Grizzlies should be easy prey for a healthy Raptors team. However, we all know the tendency of our guys to play down to the level of their opponents.

3 Keys to Victory for Toronto

Next: 3 skilled Grizzlies

3 skilled Grizzlies

Apr 1, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) handles the ball against Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) during the second half at FedExForum. Toronto beat Memphis 99-95. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Conclusion & Final Score

The Grizzlies are a team which has struggled to score with Conley on the floor. Without him, they will need to win in a low-scoring mudwrestle of a game. [20-second timeout: How are these for funky results? So far this season, the Griz have scored fewer than 90 points in 6 games, and won 2 of them! By contrast, the Raptors have yet to dip below 91 points.]

Toronto has no excuse. Memphis may have trouble dressing 10 healthy players.

Raptors 103 – Grizzlies 87