Preview: Memphis Grizzlies vs Toronto Raptors
Tonight our Memphis Grizzlies will be taking on the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre, after having played the last few games at home. Longtime NBA fans will recall that it was with the Raptors that Vince Carter got his start in the league, and played his first six seasons. There are also a handful of former Grizzlies players on this Toronto squad: Greivis Vasquez, Kyle Lowry, and one of last season’s fan favorites, James Johnson.
Word is that the Raptors organization plans to honor Carter tonight, in recognition of his 20 years in the league. While his departure from Toronto was not under the happiest of circumstances, there is no denying that Vince Carter has left a tremendous legacy, and his contributions to the Raptors during his time there cannot be overstated.
After getting word that there are five Grizzlies players who are suffering from a stomach illness and unlikely to play tonight, I’m not really sure what to expect as far as lineups for tonight go. Tony Allen, Courtney Lee, Jon Leuer, Kosta Koufos and Beno Udrih are all expected to be unable to play.
For those keeping count, that will have us missing two starters, and our backup point guard and backup center. Which means that there is a good chance that Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph and Mike Conley both see heavy minutes, and with any luck, Coach Joerger will find a way to utilize Jarnell Stokes and Jordan Adams as well.
It would be a great night for Vince Carter to have a big game, and one also hopes that the return of Quincy Pondexter’s shot was not a fluke. The Grizzlies will likely be running a skeleton crew, and everyone is going to need to be ready to put in work.
Edited to add: Grizzlies have re-signed Hassan Whiteside and Kalin Lucas and both players are en route to Toronto for tonight’s game.
Doesn't bluff, stays grinding.
Bluff City Born and Memphis Made
- Memphis Grizzlies Assistant Coach Niele Ivey Named New Head Coach for Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Team - April 22, 2020
- Notes From Grizzlies Media Day 2019 - October 2, 2019
- Memphis Grizzlies 2019 Training Camp Roster - September 30, 2019
