Suprized there isn't more talk about this line. I belive the Raptors cover this one easly. But as with all lines there is some thinking to be done about why the line is seemlingly so low. One possibility is too much reliance on past stats. Here's an interesting one:
"At 13-14, Toronto is one of four NBA teams (Charlotte, LA Clippers, Washington) that have a losing overall record against the Grizzlies. Since the Grizzlies relocated to Memphis in 2001, they are 5-2 at home against the Raptors."
From http://www.commercialappeal.com/news...-234838165706/
Also people are probably expecting that Alan Iverson will debut and he's been a proven Raptors killer but that also looks like an improbabillity:
"But while Griz coach Lionel Hollins said the workout was encouraging, his understanding is that Iverson's return is targeted for Monday when the team plays at Sacramento.
So the Griz are expected to be without the 10-time all-star guard for tonight's game with the Toronto Raptors at FedExForum."
From http://www.commercialappeal.com/news...for-grizzlies/
But the Raptors are not what we're used to from years past. They emphesise defence, run well on fast breaks and cause a lot of matchup problems with Bargnani, Bosh and Turkoglu all able to play inside or outside. While it is yet to see if they will keep the intensity up for a full 82 I definately expect them to keep it going for their second game especialy after a big win at home.
Memphis also does not seem to be the team that has the tools to beat the Raptors. While good rebounding may help they are the lowest assist team in the league and with Raptors packing the paint they would need some good passing to take advantage of that. Only way would be them either brutaly dominating the boards or getting hot from the 3 point line. Both of those are low probabillity.
Theres also a Z-Bo effect that you can expect to happen from time to time in Memphis where his ego gets the best of him and he tries to win the game by himself which in all these years hasn't worked once. Examples:
Anyway my (easy) pick is Raptors -2.5
Lets hear some thoughts on this!
T
"At 13-14, Toronto is one of four NBA teams (Charlotte, LA Clippers, Washington) that have a losing overall record against the Grizzlies. Since the Grizzlies relocated to Memphis in 2001, they are 5-2 at home against the Raptors."
From http://www.commercialappeal.com/news...-234838165706/
Also people are probably expecting that Alan Iverson will debut and he's been a proven Raptors killer but that also looks like an improbabillity:
"But while Griz coach Lionel Hollins said the workout was encouraging, his understanding is that Iverson's return is targeted for Monday when the team plays at Sacramento.
So the Griz are expected to be without the 10-time all-star guard for tonight's game with the Toronto Raptors at FedExForum."
From http://www.commercialappeal.com/news...for-grizzlies/
But the Raptors are not what we're used to from years past. They emphesise defence, run well on fast breaks and cause a lot of matchup problems with Bargnani, Bosh and Turkoglu all able to play inside or outside. While it is yet to see if they will keep the intensity up for a full 82 I definately expect them to keep it going for their second game especialy after a big win at home.
Memphis also does not seem to be the team that has the tools to beat the Raptors. While good rebounding may help they are the lowest assist team in the league and with Raptors packing the paint they would need some good passing to take advantage of that. Only way would be them either brutaly dominating the boards or getting hot from the 3 point line. Both of those are low probabillity.
Theres also a Z-Bo effect that you can expect to happen from time to time in Memphis where his ego gets the best of him and he tries to win the game by himself which in all these years hasn't worked once. Examples:
Anyway my (easy) pick is Raptors -2.5
Lets hear some thoughts on this!
T
