Game Preview: Toronto Raptors at Memphis Grizzlies

When: Wednesday, January 3rd, 7:00 PM CST

Where: FedEx Forum, Memphis, TN

How to Watch/Stream: Bally Sports Southeast

On the second night of a back-to-back, Memphis welcomes the Toronto Raptors to town. Excuse me… The “New Look” Toronto Raptors are coming to town. It doesn’t quite have the same ring, but it’s more apt.

The Raptors treated us to a pretty significant holiday trade this past weekend by sending O.G. Anunoby—the Grizzlies’ long-sought-after trade target—out to New York. In return?

Well, they got both RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. As well as a draft pick belonging to Detroit that, at this point, stands to be pretty damn good. Toronto also lost Precious Achiuwa in the deal.

Now, I’m not here to delegate who won or who lost the trade or any of that nonsense. I’m here to point out what intrigues me about this matchup from the standup of a Grizzlies guy.

And from that perspective, this “New Look” Raptors team is a bit of a mystery to me. And there’s something exciting about that. Am I scared? No.

But there are still chunks worth keeping an eye on throughout this game…

Luke Kennard, With A Vengeance

Luke Kennard returned to action—after missing 20 games—on New Year’s Eve. I imagine the Grizzlies were ecstatic to have him return to the lineup.

As I’m sure you know, they’ve been missing a consistent three-point threat all season up to this point. Well, aside from Desmond Bane. But even then… With the increased workload he’s been handling, his role has evolved.

‘Nardo’ is more in line with the ‘Mike Miller’s’ of yester-Grizz. And in the two games since he’s returned, he appears to have picked up right where he left off… Well, minus the game in which he injured himself, but who’s counting on that?

He’s been lights out from beyond the arc in the two outings since his return. Against the Kings, he shot 62.5% on 5-of-8 from deep. And then against San Antonio, he was 42.9% while going 4-of-7 with his treys.

Kennard has been good for double-digit points in both games since back. He’s also already second on the team in 3PT% behind only Jacob Gilyard. That’s in 10 games.

This has to be what Memphis was hoping for after the conclusion of last season. If ‘Cool Hand’ Luke can keep this level of play up, it will definitely go a long way towards ensuring the Grizzlies have a shot at the postseason.

Memphis Has Itself A Real Rebounding Problem

I’d wager it’s safe to make it official. The Memphis Grizzlies have a rebounding problem. You’d have to be blind to not see it at this point and even then… I know some blind folks who could ascertain that the fans’ groans are related to a rebounding problem.

That’s how bad it has gotten.

Memphis is getting dominated on the boards. At this point, it seems like every game, too… Which is quite an awful feeling, if I’m being honest. To know—night in and night out—you’ll most likely get bullied on the glass.

It sucks, plain and simple.

But that’s where the Grizzlies are at. On the season, Memphis doesn’t have a single double-digit rebounder. Their highest rebounder? Bismack Biyombo is averaging 6.3 boards a game.

Thing is… That’s not going to cut it if a championship is your goal. The Grizzlies have four other dudes averaging at least five rebounds a game. At least two of those guys—Ja Morant and Vince Williams Jr.—have nowhere near his size…

And those same two guys are a threat to out-rebound Biz on any given night. That’s not what you need from your starting center. Now, do I have an answer for you? Not at this moment, and I see the problem continuing, at least for now.

Considering Jakob Poeltl—Toronto’s starting center—is good for 8.3 TRB per game this year… It looks like the rebounding problems could keep on keeping on tonight. Rather, the Grizzlies like it or not.

Photo Credit: (Joe Murphy/NBAE)