Raptors host Grizzlies in matchup of teams looking to change recent trends

TORONTO · The Toronto Raptors host the Memphis Grizzlies at Scotiabank Arena on Monday night in a matchup of teams looking to reverse recent trends. The Raptors are returning home after a four-game road trip and are coming off a comeback win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Toronto holds a 5-1 record against teams under .500 but is 0-4 against teams above that mark. The Grizzlies started the season 6-0 but have lost their last three games.

Memphis contributor Landon Speck said turnovers have been a key issue during the losing streak. "Turnovers have killed the Grizzlies in their recent three-game losing streak," Speck said. The Raptors lead the NBA in opponent turnover percentage at 17 percent, which could pose a problem for the young Memphis roster. Speck noted the early deficit in Friday's loss to Oklahoma City "sucked the energy out of the team." Raptors star Kawhi Leonard will miss the game, continuing a pattern of the team playing in two distinct iterations. A two-game sample size this season shows Scottie Barnes is more aggressive offensively when Leonard is on the court. Players like Jakob Poeltl, RJ Barrett, Collin Murray-Boyles, Keion Battle and Jamal Shead have seen the largest uptick in usage with Leonard out.

The Grizzlies are led by rookie Cam Boozer, the No. 3 overall pick. Boozer is shooting 34.1 percent from the field but is averaging 10 rebounds per game and is an excellent passer. "Boozer is more than just a quality connective piece; he is someone Memphis can run offense through," Speck said. He added that Boozer's ability to play inside and outside gives head coach Tuomas Iisalo lineup flexibility.

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Speck identified centre Zach Edey as the Grizzlies' X-factor. "He changes everything on offense and defense with his rebounding, screening and rim protection," Speck said. Edey usually plays limited minutes as he works back from an ankle injury and has been in frequent foul trouble this season. His ability to stay on the floor consistently can swing games. Iisalo has emphasized effort, telling the team in the preseason he expects Memphis to "play two games each night: one against the other team and one against themselves in terms of effort and energy." Speck said the Grizzlies had met that standard in every game until the loss to Oklahoma City. The team's depth is considered a strength.

Looking back at the Raptors' 2019 championship season provides context for their current record against better competition. That team was 17-5 in games without Leonard, with ten of those wins coming against non-playoff teams. The quality of regular season wins did not matter in the end that year. The expectation is that as long as the Raptors take care of business and Leonard is healthy for the postseason, they will have a chance.

Speck said he does not feel strongly about either side in Monday's matchup. "Toronto has the high-end talent advantage with Scottie Barnes, but with Kawhi Leonard out and the Grizzlies’ depth being a strength, the rosters are pretty comparable at this point in the season," he said. He predicted a Grizzlies victory, noting Memphis needs a win to snap its skid and has a day of rest. The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. EST on Sportsnet.

With files from Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports