Grizzlies vs. Raptors Prediction and Odds: How Will Both Teams Fare Without Their Top Scorer?

The Memphis Grizzlies head north to the Scotiabank Arena for an interconference game with the Toronto Raptors tonight.

The Grizzlies are coming off a decisive victory over the Sacramento Kings Sunday night while playing without their star player Ja Morant. The third-year point guard is out for a few weeks with a knee injury but the Grizz proved they can rally without him.

The Raptors are also dealing with injury issues of their own. The constant shuffling of the roster due to injury is preventing this team from finding a groove. This has left Toronto with a 9-12 overall record and a fifth-place ranking in the Atlantic Division.  The Raptors look to avoid their third straight loss after the Celtics (109-97) and Pacers (114-97) beat them in back-to-back games. 

Here are the odds for this Tuesday night showdown, courtesy of WynnBET: 

Grizzlies vs. Raptors Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

• Grizzlies: +3.5 (-110)
• Raptors: -3.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Grizzlies: +135
• Raptors: -155

Total: 

• 216.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Grizzlies vs. Raptors Prediction and Pick

The Raptors will have their hands full with this Grizzlies team even in Morant’s absence. Memphis is sixth in the NBA in terms of scoring offense, and average over 110 points per game while ranking fifth in assists at 25.4 APG. Not only have they found success from field goal range, but also on the glass as the fourth-best team in the NBA in total rebounds with 47.1 RPG. So why is this team just 10-10?

Well, as the saying goes, offense wins games and defenses win championships. And the Grizzlies will need to step up on defense if they want to contend for the division.  Memphis is 30th in the league in points allowed at 115.6 per game. So, while they possess one of the best offenses in the NBA, their defense is so bad it cancels all their hard work out. Now, with the loss of Morant, they are down their most effective scorer and passer.  

Overall, I think the Raptors on paper are better. But, they have had major issues winning at home. They have just two wins in nine home games this season and are 1-8 against the spread. When you look at their statistical rankings, it’s easy to see why they are struggling. Toronto not playing up to its potential and is 21st in scoring, 26th in total rebounds, and 29th in assists per game. One thing that the Raptors have in common with the Grizzlies tonight is the lack of a leading scorer. OG Anunoby is still out with a hip pointer and leads the team with 20.1 PPG. 

Adding all of this up, the under becomes a very tempting play. The Grizzlies are a great offense without their best shooter. The Raptors are a bad offense without their best shooter. While neither team has a particularly strong defense, I think it will be enough to keep this game under. 

Pick: Grizzlies & Raptors UNDER 216.5