Grizzlies at Raptors
THE STORY: The Memphis Grizzlies hope recent history will repeat itself Friday night as they visit the Toronto Raptors. Memphis has won the last five games in the head-to-head series, though each of the contests were decided by single digits. The Grizzlies will take any type of road victory at this point, having won just six of 16 games away from Memphis so far this season. The Grizzlies are coming off a 96-85 home triumph over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, their sixth win in seven games. Toronto defeated New Orleans 95-84 two nights ago.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, TSN2
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (20-15): Memphis has managed to remain in playoff contention despite playing most of the season without star power forward Zach Randolph (knee). The club had hoped to have Randolph back in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Mavericks, but the veteran scorer has yet to resume contact drills and has already been ruled out of Friday's game against Toronto and Saturday's tilt with the Detroit Pistons. There's hope Randolph could come back next week, either Wednesday against Golden State or Saturday in Phoenix.
ABOUT THE RAPTORS (11-24): Toronto has also been dealing with the absence of its high-scoring big man. Andrea Bargnani (calf) has suited up in just 13 games this season, and there's no timetable for his return to action. Bargnani acknowledged earlier this week that the injury "was feeling a little better," but he still isn't practicing and likely isn't close to getting back into the lineup. The 7-foot Italian averages 23.5 points per game and appeared to be on the verge of a breakout season before suffering the injury.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Toronto's last victory in the head-to-head series came Jan. 9, 2009, when Chris Bosh had 32 points and 10 rebounds in a 103-82 home triumph.
2. The Grizzlies enter Friday 13-11 in games following one day of rest, while the Raptors are just 6-16 in the same situation.
3. Toronto PG Jose Calderon is coming off his best month of the season, averaging 12 points and 9.4 assists in 13 February games.