Who's Playing
Matchup: Toronto Raptors vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Records: Raptors (27-40), Grizzlies (33-33)
Where to Watch
Date: Saturday, May 8, 2021
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: TSN 4/5
Location: Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL
Game Preview
Thursday's loss to the Washington Wizards was a tough blow to the Raptors' Play-In chances. Toronto now sits 4.0 games behind the Wizards for the final Play-In spot with just five games remaining. It's going to take a miracle.
With just five games remaining, it's likely that Raptors fans will get a glimpse into the future of the team. With Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby all listed as out for Saturday's game against the Grizzlies, look for Nick Nurse to continue to showcase Malachi Flynn, Gary Trent Jr. and Freddie Gillespie. The trio has impressed when given more opportunities to shine over the last month and that should continue in the team's final five games.
The Grizzlies, on the other hand, are knee-deep in a battle for one of the Play-In spots out West. Memphis currently sits ninth in the Western Conference, just half a game back of the Golden State Warriors. Jumping into the eighth seed would allow Memphis the safety net to have one loss in a Play-In game scenario.
Something to keep an eye on in Saturday's game: Memphis is one of the league's best offensive rebounding teams, averaging 11.2 offensive rebounds per game which is only second to the New Orleans Pelicans. The Raptors bigs are going to have their hands full with a swamp of Grizzlies bigs who are always keen to grab second chance opportunities. Former Raptor Jonas Valanciunas has led that charge, averaging 4.1 offensive boards per game.
Expect a physical grind-it-out battle that should be low scoring given each team's lack of firepower.
Injury Report
Raptors
- OG Anunoby (left calf strain) - Out
- Chris Boucher (left knee sprain) - Out
- Yuta Watanabe (right ankle soreness) - Day-to-day
- Paul Watson (left knee tendinitis) - Out
- Kyle Lowry (Rest) — Out
- Fred VanVleet (Injury management) — Out
Grizzlies
- Sean McDermott (foot) — Out
- Grayson Allen (abdomen) — Out
Raptors vs. Grizzlies: Betting odds, spread, over/under
Spread: Raptors +5.5 (-110), Grizzlies -5.5 (-110)
Raptors Money line: +190
Grizzlies Money line: -220
Over/under: 227.0 (-110)
Odds courtesy of William Hill Sports Book
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