Toronto Raptors vs. Memphis Grizzlies Predictions, Picks and NBA Preview – April 1, 2016

The action continues to heat up further in the NBA with the playoffs fast-approaching. And speaking of which, the Toronto Raptors and Memphis Grizzlies will be looking to solidify their positions further when they lock horns at the FedEx Forum tonight.

The Raptors have already clinched a spot in the postseason, but they still have a chance to overtake Cleveland for the top seed in the Eastern Conference. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, hopes to maintain their grasp on the No.5 spot in the West. Let’s now take a deeper look below at this crucial showdown.

For more NBA action, click here for our complete preview of the game between the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors.
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Toronto Raptors vs. Memphis Grizzlies Betting Preview

Where: FedEx Forum, Memphis, Tennessee

When: Friday, April 1, 2016, 8:00 PM ET

Line: Toronto Raptors (-5.5) at Memphis Grizzlies (+5.5); total: 197.0– view all NBA lines

TV Broadcast(s): FSS, SN1

Betting on the Toronto Raptors (50-24)

[sc:NBA250 ]Okay, the Toronto Raptors are obviously the hands-down favorites here. They are by far the more superior team especially with a dynamic backcourt duo of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, who have been going on an offensive tear this season, on their side.

Lowry is averaging 21.5 points and a team-high 6.5 assists per game on the season. DeRozan, meanwhile, has been arguably better overall, posting 23.6 points on 44.7 percent shooting from the field. The chances of these two going on another scoring outburst are quite high as their opponent this evening—the Memphis Grizzlies—are allowing 104.3 points in the last six games.

Besides that, the Raptors’ defense, which is giving up just 98.5 points, should be able to impose its will against a Memphis ball club that has struggled to find some baskets. The Grizzlies are only scoring 99.1 points per outing, the seventh-lowest in the league right now.

A reason for concern though, is the fact that the Raptors sometimes dig their own graves by relying too much on DeRozan and Lowry alone. If those two can’t find their strokes for some unexpected reason, they are going to be in a precarious situation.

Toronto is 5-5 SU and ATS in its past 10 road games.

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Betting on the Memphis Grizzlies (41-34)

Memphis should consider itself lucky to still be in a good position to make the playoffs despite missing a number of key players.

The Grizzlies have been mostly relying on Zach Randolph (15.1 PPG, 8.0 RPG) to leading them through each game ever since Marc Gasol and Mike Conley went down with season-ending injuries. But Randolph, who’s arguably past his prime, can’t carry this team alone. That being said, the Grizzlies will need all the help they can get—especially on offense—to be competitive against the visiting Toronto Raptors.

The pair of veterans in Lance Stephenson (14.5 PPG) and Matt Barnes (9.7 PPG) might just be able answer the call. Stephenson, in particular, will have the best chance in doing so as he’s scored in double-figures in nine of his last 11 games. That stretch includes a 33-point outburst in the win over the Pelicans on March 11.

Barnes, meanwhile, has played relatively well during home games this season, averaging 10.1 points. He’s also been productive in the last three games for the Grizzlies. In that brief span, Barnes is garnering 10.3 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists.

Overall though, it’s really hard to see Memphis winning this one. The Raptors’ offense is going to overwhelm them eventually and the Grizzlies’ defense, that’s yielding 106.7 points in the last three outings, is too inconsistent these days.

Memphis is 6-4 SU and ATS in its previous 10 games at the FedEx Forum.

Writer’s Prediction

Toronto (-5.5) wins it convincingly by 10-plus points.

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