Raptors Look To Bounce Back Against The Grizzlies At Home

The Toronto Raptors (35-18) look to bounce back with a win against the Memphis Grizzlies (32-22) back home at the Air Canada Centre after losing to the Chicago Bulls Friday night. This is the first game back at the Air Canada Centre after that long home stand in mid January in which the Raptors won 11 games in a row, a franchise record. The Raptors will also be looking for their eigth win in a row at the Air Canada Centre.

As mentioned earlier, the Toronto Raptors fell to the Chicago Bulls Friday night at the United Center despite strong games from the All-Star backcourt of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan who scored 27 and 22 points, respectively. Jonas Valanciunas also played a fantastic game scoring 25 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Valanciunas typically has trouble matching up with Pau Gasol but Friday night was a different story.

The third quarter was one of the most disastrous quarters the Raptors played this season. The Bulls shot 64% from the field and got anything they wanted offensively. The Bulls, on the other hand, had little trouble stopping Toronto’s iso-heavy offense. The loss on Friday night was yet another loss for the Raptors who have not defeated the Bulls since 2013.

Sunday night’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies will be the first season matchup between the two teams. Last season, the Raptors split the Grizzlies in wins as each team won the home game. After losing Marc Gasol for the season with a foot injury a few weeks ago, the Memphis Grizzlies have had the majority of their scoring from point guard Mike Conley.

Conley has scored 25, 20 and 27 points in his past three games. Therefore, expect Kyle Lowry to have his hands full going up against the point guard. A key to victory tonight is for the Raptors to play solid defense and move the basketball. There cannot be a repeat of Fridays game. If so, the Raptors are in danger of losing three games in a row. The game will be broadcast on TSN and tipoff is expected for 7:30 pm.

What To Know For Sunday's Game

This will mark the first game played between the Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors this season. Vince Carter will be back in town after the emotional tribute given to him by the Raptors last year, which was a part of their 20-year anniversary.

DeMar DeRozan is one win away from tying Chris Bosh and Morris Peterson for the most wins (231) by a player in franchise history.

Tony Allen left Friday’s game with a sore knee. Demarre Carroll is still out of the lineup after having knee surgery in early January (no timetable for his return although he is ahead of schedule), and Marc Gasol is out for the season (foot).