Game Day Preview: Raptors Looking To Rebound vs. Grizzlies

Rudy Gay faces off against his former team Wednesday night as the Toronto Raptors close out a two-game road trip versus the Memphis Grizzlies.

Toronto (3-5) has been dominated by Memphis (3-4) recently, prevailing only twice in 10 head-to-head matches. Let’s hope the Raptors can get in the W column following a heartbreaking double-overtime loss to Houston.

Here are the Cage’s Five Keys to the Game

1. Containing Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph

The Memphis Grizzlies have two bruising tanks in Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph. Gasol is a nifty center with gifted touch around the rim and is an exceptional passer for his position. The Spaniard isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing player to watch in the NBA but is both versatile and intelligent.

Randolph, now in his 13^th season, is having a bit of an off year (13.0 ppg, 7.9 rpg) by his standards but historically has torched the Raptors.  In two games last year, Z-Bo averaged 17 points and 15.5 boards en route to victories. The former Michigan State Spartan is still a talent and will be a nuisance for Amir Johnson and Tyler Hansbrough.

2. Purge the iso-heavy offense  

Toronto’s high volume and inefficient shooting continues to frustrate Raptorland (including this writer). How many times this year have you seen DeMar DeRozan, Rudy Gay and Kyle Lowry wait for the shot clock to wind down and launch a contested shot? The iso-heavy approach is a big reason why the offense ranks near the bottom in most statistical categories including field goal percentage (.419 %), points per game (96.6), field goals made (35.6), points per shot (1.14) and dead last in assists per game (16.4). Change it up.

3. Get in transition

I’d like to see the Raptors engage in more aggressive fast break transitions considering their athleticism at every position.  Toronto needs to reverse the trend of averaging 10.0 fast break points per game (27^th overall) against the grinding Grizzlies who are impenetrable when they play at a slow-pace. A key to this match will be establishing an up-tempo style that counteracts the staunch perimeter and interior defending of Memphis.

4. Deliver from downtown

The three-point shot is admired and commonplace in today’s NBA. Too bad the Raptors haven’t followed suit. Toronto continues to be abysmal from distance as they rank 20^th in 3-point field goals made (7.0) and 21^st in 3-point field goal percentage (.333) on the 15^th most attempts (21.0). Try and find the open man.

5. Forcing and limiting turnovers

The Raptors have to do a better job of generating supplemental offense through turnovers. Currently, Toronto ranks 25^th overall in steals per game (6.6), 26^th in blocks per game (3.9) and a staggering 1.13 assists per turnover. Those extra chances can make the difference in the final minutes of a close game.

X-Factor: Jonas Valanciunas

If the Raptors are capable of an upset Wednesday night, the young centre will need to have his best game of the season. Valanciunas was spectacular in Houston (10 points, 13 rebounds) against Dwight Howard. Another test awaits in being guarded by another upper echelon center.