The Toronto Raptors will be looking to halt a four-game straight-up slide on home hardwood when they host the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night as opening 5-point favourites on the NBA odds at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com.
Toronto opened its current seven-game homestand with Sunday's disappointing 109-97 loss to the Boston Celtics, which also marked the team's ninth SU defeat in 12 outings going into Tuesday night's matchup at Scotiabank Arena.
The Raptors have now been held to 97 points in back-to-back losses to Indiana and Boston, and limited to 103 or fewer points on three occasions during their current 0-4 SU run at home. Those offensive struggles have done little to boost their fortunes at the sportsbooks, where they have covered just three times during their overall 3-9 SU run.
The Raptors hit the floor on Sunday without leading scorer OG Anunoby, who remains hobbled by a hip injury that has him listed as out for Tuesday's contest as well. The team was also missing guard Gary Trent Jr. on Sunday as he continues to recover from a calf injury that has cast doubt on his availability for Tuesday. In addition, the Raptors bench has taken a hit with veteran Goran Dragic reportedly leaving the team for personal reasons. Acquired in the offseason deal that sent Kyle Lowry to Miami, Dragic has seen limited action in just five appearances so far this season.
The good news for the Raptors is their recent track record against the Grizzlies. The team romped to a 126-113 win in Memphis as 3.5-point underdogs at sports betting sites on November 24 to improve to 13-3 SU in its last 16 dates with the Grizzlies. That includes a six-game SU win streak at Scotiabank Arena that has featured ATS wins in their past five clashes.
The Grizzlies, meanwhile, arrive in Toronto looking to build on Sunday's 128-101 victory over the visiting Sacramento Kings. But while the Grizzlies are currently enjoying a respectable 4-3 SU overall run that has enabled them to stay in the Western Conference playoff picture, they have struggled to post consistent results on the road.
Memphis has claimed outright wins in just two of its past seven away contests. In addition, the Grizzlies have been a disappointment to bettors when battling Eastern Conference opponents, going 1-5 ATS in their past six such outings. To make matters worse, the Grizzlies will be without point guard Ja Morant, as the team's top scorer was forced to leave Friday's 132-100 loss to Atlanta with a knee injury that reportedly could sideline him for weeks.
