The Toronto Raptors are currently on a two-game losing streak and are aiming to end that against the Memphis Grizzlies today, Sunday, at the Air Canada Centre.
Toronto (35–18) was a threat to Eastern Conference leaders the Cleveland Cavaliers (39–14) for the top spot, but back-to-back defeats placed them four games behind last season's runner-ups.
After going on a three-game winning streak, the Raptors absorbed losses to the Minnesota Timberwolves and Chicago Bulls on the road.
In Friday's 116–106 defeat to the Bulls, the backcourt duo of All-Stars Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan stood out for Toronto.
Lowry led the Raptors with 27 points, three rebounds, eight assists, one steal, and one block in 37 minutes of action. DeRozan, on the other hand, added 22 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals in a team-leading 40 minutes played.
Another bright spot for the Raptors in the loss was starting center Jonas Valančiūnas who recorded 25 points, 12 rebounds, one assist, and one block.
A win for the Raptors against Grizzlies will inch them closer to the Cavs for the leading spot in the East. It will also give them winning momentum ahead of a Monday road trip to face the New York Knicks.
The Grizzlies (32–22, fifth in the Western Conference standings), on the other hand, have won two consecutive times and are thriving after experiencing struggles early in the season.
In Memphis' recent 109–104 triumph over the Minnesota Timberwolves, point guard Mike Conley starred with 25 points, four rebounds, seven assists, and two steals.
Following Conley was veteran big man Zach Randolph who had 17 points, eight rebounds, and one assist.
The Grizzlies' bench also contributed, and leading them was another veteran in guard Vince Carter who scored 15 points that came along with four rebounds with two steals.
The showdown between the Raptors and Grizzlies takes place today, Feb. 21, at 6 p.m. EST. To watch via live stream, click here.
