Raptors Cage

Game Day Preview: Raptors look to take down depleted Grizzlies

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Fresh off win number 50, the Toronto Raptors will look to keep the good times rolling. They are on the road to take on the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies (41-34) have lost four straight games with various injuries significantly impairing the team. Both Mike Conley and Marc Gasol are out for the foreseeable future, however the Grizz still have a strong foothold on a playoff spot.

The Raptors (50-24, yes 50) will look to keep the strong play going. There haven’t been any indications of anyone resting at this point. Let’s get to the…

Cage’s Keys to the Game

Stop Z-Bo

Memphis isn’t particularly elite at anything this season. With all of their injuries, the player of focus is going to be Zach Randolph. He has the ability to bully people on the interior, and it will be a tough match-up for Luis Scola. How Casey handles Randolph will be important.

Handling the versatility 

Guys like Tony Allen, Matt Barnes, and Lance Stephenson can play and guard multiple positions. This gives Memphis a lot of flexibility for line-ups. Thus, once again Casey will have to be smart and use guys like James Johnson to neutralize the opposition. DeMar DeRozan could be in for a tough night with Allen guarding him.

Be confident

This Raptors team is good. After the stretch of 3 losses in 4 games, people started getting stressed out, especially with all the injury problems. This is a damn good team, and the reality is they should blow out the depleted Grizzlies.

X-Factor: Norman Powell 

I’ll admit that I wasn’t a Powell believer to start the year. But the guy has been a pleasant surprise to watch. He brings an intensity to both ends, and that will be needed in the ‘grindhouse’ tonight.

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