Toronto Raptors: 3 Keys to Beating the Memphis Grizzlies

As the Toronto Raptors prepare to take on the Memphis Grizzlies, we look at three factors which could decide the outcome at the Air Canada Centre.

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It’s fair to say things didn’t go as planned for the Toronto Raptors against the Chicago Bulls. With the defeat, Dwane Casey’s men suddenly find themselves on a two-game losing streak, which will likely send certain factions of the fanbase into a panic.

Things aren’t quite that bad yet, but if matters don’t improve soon, the second-guessers will (unfairly) start questioning why no moves were made at the trade deadline. Next up are the Memphis Grizzlies, who themselves are right in the thick of the playoff race, sitting in fifth spot in the Western Conference.

This will be the first of two meetings between the sides this season. We look at three keys which will help determine if Toronto can finish on the winning side against Memphis.

1) Take advantage of Marc Gasol’s absence

It was not so long ago, that Toronto were reportedly having preliminary talks with Memphis about potentially trading for Marc Gasol. Now, Masai Ujiri must be relieved the discussions didn’t gain any traction, after Gasol’s ongoing foot issues saw his season come to a premature end.

The Raptors will now look to take advantage of the absence of the two-time All-Star centre. The player expected to benefit most is Jonas Valanciunas, who is coming off a season-high 25 points against the Bulls.

To the Grizzlies credit, they have won both games since losing Gasol. Regardless, it is up to Valanciunas and his teammates to exploit the sizable gap left by the 2013 NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

2) Mike Conley

One player who has stepped up since the Grizzlies lost Gasol, is Mike Conley. The point guard has led the team in scoring for the last three games.

Feb 19, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) and head coach David Joerger talk during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 109-104. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

In fact, as much as losing Gasol is a blow to Memphis, it could conceivably benefit them in the long term. If Conley doesn’t raise his game on a more consistent basis now, he’s never going to.

Regardless of the former fourth overall draft pick’s consistency, Kyle Lowry will still have his hands full trying to guard him. If Lowry is unable to contain Conley, it could be a long night for the Raptors.

3) Vince Carter the team leader

If such things are to be believed, there is an alternate universe somewhere out there, where Vince Carter never left Toronto and is now a steadying veteran presence. Back in our reality – believe it or not for a player often perceived as selfish – the latter has come true.

As reported by Chris O’Leary of the Toronto Star, Carter has actually found peace as the rock on a team that has endured controversy and roster changes this season: “I enjoy doing it, if guys allow me to do it.”

At least Raptors fans won’t have to worry about their former idol having much influence on the scoresheet. The 39-year old is averaging career lows in points, assists and rebounds, albeit on his fewest ever minutes per game.

Next: The Raptors stand pat at the trade deadline and that's okay

What do you expect from the Raptors against the Grizzlies? Let us know in the comments section below.

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