Raptors Cage

Game Day Preview: Raps Look to Cool Off Surging Grizzlies Squad

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NBA: Memphis Grizzlies at Toronto RaptorsUnlike Wednesday night against the Detroit Pistons, the Toronto Raptors are going to have a difficult task against a surging Memphis Grizzlies team that has placed themselves in the Western Conference playoff picture. They’re 25-9 since January 1st, and have found the stride that led them to the Western Conference finals a year ago.

This is a dangerous team when all things are in place, and it’s certainly going to be a tough test for the Toronto Raptors tonight, as they hope to gain some ground on a Brooklyn Nets team that is eyeing the Atlantic Division title as well.

Cage’s Keys to the Game:

Protect the paint:

The Toronto Raptors will certainly have their hands full against the talented Memphis Grizzlies’ bigs. Both Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph are continuing to be terrors inside, and it’s going to be up to the likes of Jonas Valanciunas, Tyler Hansbrough, Amir Johnson, etc. to stop them. A tough task indeed, but if they can limit the opposition’s ability to have a massive impact inside, the Raptors could come out of tonight with a W.

Take and make open looks:

Points are going to be hard to come by against a Memphis team that ranks 5th in opponent FG%. Finding driving lanes and scoring inside the paint is definitely going to be tough, which is why the Raps will have to stick their jumpers tonight. Ball movement will be of great importance as the Atlantic Division leaders search for good shot attempts versus the stingy Grizzlies defense. Toronto’s assist total will be something to keep an eye on during this matchup.

Make defensive adjustments (if need be):

This is a Grizzlies team that ranks dead last in 3-pointers made, and doesn’t really utilize the three-ball as much as many of Toronto’s recent opponents. Look for Dwane Casey to try and force Memphis to adapt to a style of play that the team isn’t accustomed to. If Gasol and Randolph are dominating on the inside, the Raptors may switch to a zone defense in an effort to dare the Grizzlies to get their points from downtown.

X-Factor: Jonas Valanciunas

I emphasized that controlling the paint is going to be of great importance tonight, and that is why Jonas Valanciunas is tonight’s X-Factor. He’s going to be given the responsibility of guarding a lengthy and crafty Marc Gasol tonight, who has placed himself in the category of being one of the best centers in the league.

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