Raptors vs. Grizzlies Game Thread: Updates, TV info, and more

It’s the rare home Saturday contest for the Raptors today as the Memphis Grizzles venture north, through the snow and cold, to Toronto for their only visit this season. (Yes, I know the Raps do play Saturday games, but proportionally speaking!)

The news pre-game is, of course, centred around Kawhi Leonard — or, should I say, his absence. Yes, for Toronto’s third game in four nights, Leonard will sit tonight. This, despite him not playing in the second game in four nights. The astute among you will remember that Kawhi was looking gimpy on his leg against Washington on Sunday, so maybe there’s a good reason for all this. But also: sorry to those who trekked all the way down here for some Kawhi Saturday Night Action.

The rest of the Raptors from Thursday night are here and ready to go though. Kyle Lowry, fresh off of his surprise appearance vs. the Suns, is back. Fred VanVleet will start with him. And Danny Green, Pascal Siakam, and Serge Ibaka — the three most reliable Raptors this season — will also be there.

Can the Raptors win against another reeling team — the Grizz are 19-26 and riding a four-game losing streak — or will the absence of Kawhi — who helped destroy the Grizz in Memphis — prove to be their undoing?

Some late-breaking news here might help in the former regard:

Here’s the full preview for Raps-Grizz from Satbir Singh. Below are the updated details. Now, let’s watch.

Where to Watch:

Sportsnet One (SN1) at 7:30pm EST

Lineups:

Toronto – Fred VanVleet, Kyle Lowry, Danny Green, Pascal Siakam, Serge Ibaka

Memphis – Mike Conley, Justin Holiday, Garrett Temple, Jaren Jackson Jr., JaMychal Green

Injuries:

Toronto – Jonas Valanciunas (out - hand), OG Anunoby (out – personal), Kawhi Leonard (out - load management?)

Memphis – Chandler Parsons (out – vision quest), Dillon Brooks (out – toe), Kyle Anderson (out – ankle), Marc Gasol (out - back), Joakim Noah (out - personal)