The Memphis Grizzlies, who were the surprise package of the opening weeks, have lost three consecutive games and dropped out of the play-off places. Now they travel to Canada to face the Toronto Raptors, who have every reason to consider themselves favourites.
Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors (5-4) are hovering between the play-off and play-in places in the Eastern Conference, but look confident after a four-game road trip in which they won twice, losing only to strong opponents. They returned home on the back of a 121:107 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, achieved without point guard Immanuel Quickley. He is expected to return against the Memphis Grizzlies, which should make their offence even more effective. It is already the team's main strength: they average 118.2 points per game and have scored at least 120 in three of their four November games. RJ Barrett is the Raptors' main driving force: he recorded 27 points and 7 rebounds against the Bucks and has scored 20 or more points in 8 of his 9 games this season. Rebounding is the hosts' weakness (42.2 per game), but with their opponents missing two rotation players, that shortcoming is unlikely to prove decisive.
Memphis Grizzlies
After a 6-0 start, the Memphis Grizzlies unexpectedly lost momentum. First they lost to the Indiana Pacers (103:107), then suffered a heavy home defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder (97:128), their first loss by such a large margin this season. With a shooting percentage of 45.8%, this downturn looked only a matter of time. Injuries make matters worse: Scotty Pippen Jr and Stewart will not travel for the game. Their main hopes rest on leading scorer Ty Jerome (26.6 points) and Cameron, who contributes across the board, averaging 15.6 points, 10 rebounds and 5.2 assists. Meanwhile, the club have signed guard Saunders to a two-way contract. He suffered a serious injury in February and has yet to make his NBA debut.
Toronto Raptors vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction
The Toronto Raptors had no trouble against the Memphis Grizzlies last season, winning 117:104 at home and 128:96 away, with RJ Barrett leading the way on both occasions (27 and 25 points). The teams' current form suggests little will change for the Grizzlies. The Raptors know how to produce their best at home, as wins over the Chicago Bulls (135:92) and Orlando Magic (129:99) demonstrate, while towards the end of last season they won 9 of 10 games. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, arrive on the back of three defeats and without two rotation players. In those circumstances, the Raptors' advantage looks clear.
