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
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
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