The Toronto Raptors will be seeking redemption when they host the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night, looking to avenge a 155-126 loss from their previous meeting on December 26, in which the Grizzlies set a franchise record for points.
Since then, the Raptors have improved significantly and are nearing full strength. Despite a 121-115 defeat to the New York Knicks on Tuesday night, they have won eight of their past 11 games. The Raptors put up a valiant effort against the Knicks, narrowing a 23-point deficit to just one point with 3:17 left in the game.
It was a promising night for some of the young Raptors, especially reserve Jamal Shead, who scored 16 points and added nine assists in just over 23 minutes. Toronto’s starting center, Jakob Poeltl, was limited to five points in 15 minutes due to a hip pointer injury and did not play in the second half.
On the other side, the Memphis Grizzlies are in excellent form, having won nine of their past 10 games. They defeated the San Antonio Spurs 128-109 on Monday, with Jaren Jackson Jr. scoring 31 points, GG Jackson contributing 27 points, and Ja Morant adding 25. GG Jackson, returning from foot surgery, has made a strong impact despite the injuries to Brandon Clarke (back) and Desmond Bane (ankle).
Memphis rookie Zach Edey, a Toronto native, will be a focal point on Wednesday. He recorded 16 points and 14 rebounds against San Antonio and had 21 points and 16 rebounds against the Raptors in their first meeting. Edey was drafted ninth overall by Memphis last June.
Canadian players on the Raptors, such as Chris Boucher, RJ Barrett, and Kelly Olynyk, are familiar with Edey’s development. Both Barrett (concussion protocol) and Boucher (illness) missed Tuesday’s game.
