The restructured Toronto Raptors are set to further their camaraderie on Monday night as they play host to the injury-riddled Memphis Grizzlies.
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The restructured Toronto Raptors are set to further their camaraderie on Monday night as they play host to the injury-riddled Memphis Grizzlies. In a recent shake-up, the Raptors executed a trade involving OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Pascal Siakam, bringing in RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Bruce Brown as part of their revamped lineup.
The unfamiliarity within their revamped roster became evident in a 126-100 defeat on the road against the New York Knicks, especially during the third quarter. Coach Darko Rajakovic emphasized the need for improved communication and mutual support within the team during the third-quarter downturn.
Saturday’s game marked the initial meeting between the Raptors and Knicks since finalizing a late December trade. In the deal, Toronto sent Anunoby, Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn to New York in exchange for Barrett, Quickley, and a second-round pick.
For the Raptors, only Poeltl will be missing out due to an ankle injury. As for the Grizzlies, Adams (surgery), Bane (ankle injury), Clarke (achilles tendon injury), LaRavia (ankle injury), Morant (shoulder injury), Rose (thigh injury), and Smart (finger injury) will not be playing the game. Besides, Tillman is also questionable for the game due to a knee injury.
Following a 125-96 defeat against the Chicago Bulls on Saturday, the Grizzlies find themselves contending with a reconfigured lineup. The team is currently without Ja Morant (shoulder), Marcus Smart (finger), and Desmond Bane (ankle).
In their recent stretch, the Grizzlies have suffered defeats in four of their last five matchups. In the game against Chicago, Jaren Jackson Jr. took charge for the Grizzlies, contributing 26 points. Vince Williams Jr. chipped in with 14 points and five rebounds, while Luke Kennard added 14 points and six assists. Notably, two-way signee Scotty Pippen Jr. made his debut for the Grizzlies, scoring three points in a five-minute appearance.
On January 3, the Raptors secured a 116-111 victory over the Grizzlies in Memphis. Quickley led the scoring for the Raptors with 26 points, while Siakam contributed 24 points.
Quickley displayed an efficient performance, shooting 8-for-18 from the field, including a 5-for-8 mark on 3-pointers. Morant led Memphis with 28 points, and Jackson added 24 points along with four blocked shots. Notably, Rajakovic served as an assistant coach for the Grizzlies for three seasons from 2020 to 2023.
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