The Toronto Raptors head to FedEx Forum to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Boxing Day. Toronto is on an eight-game losing streak but RJ Barrett continues to fill up the hoop and my Raptors vs. Grizzlies predictions expect that to continue.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this Boxing Day clash on December 26.
Raptors vs Grizzlies prediction
My Raptors pick
RJ Barrett Over 22.5 points (-125 at PointsBet Canada)
My analysis
RJ Barrett leads the Toronto Raptors with 23.5 points per game on 45.7% shooting from the field. Even with Scottie Barnes returning to the lineup in late November, Barrett has remained the No. 1 scoring option.
Over the last month, Barret has scored 23+ points in six of nine games and is averaging 24.9 ppg over that span. While the Memphis Grizzlies are one of the better defensive teams in the NBA, there are a few reasons to expect Barrett to put up points tonight.
The Grizz play at the fastest pace in the league which has led to them ranking 15th in the league in points per game allowed (113.0). Memphis is also just 20th in the league in fastbreak points per game allowed (15.8 ppg) while ranking 18th at defending the rim per ShotQualityBets.
Barrett is third in the league in transition ppg (6.7) and is in the top 20th percentile at attacking the rim frequency.
Raptors vs Grizzlies same-game parlay
RJ Barrett Over 22.5 points
Zach Edey Under 10.5 points
Over 239.5
With center Jakob Poeltl sidelined by a groin injury, Toronto has been playing a smaller lineup. The Raps have been starting the 6-foot-6 Jonathan Mogbo at center with Kelly Olynyk and Chris Boucher coming off the bench. With that mobility, Memphis will likely have to limit the playing time for rookie big man Zach Edey.
The 7-foot-4, 305-pound Edey has seen his lack of footspeed exposed by opposing bigs that can get up and down the court, or pull him out to the perimeter. The Toronto local was held to just three points in his last contest and he won't be on the floor enough to go Over 10.5 points tonight.
The Raptors are sixth in the league in pace over the last month and their ability to score in transition should help them put up points against the up-tempo Grizzlies. That said, the Raps are also 23rd in the league in defensive rating and will have a tough time slowing down a Memphis squad that leads the NBA with 122.7 ppg.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Raptors vs Grizzlies odds
Raptors vs Grizzlies live odds
Raptors vs Grizzlies opening odds
- Spread: Toronto +12 | Memphis -12
- Moneyline: Toronto +500 | Memphis -700
- Over/Under: Over 237.5 | Under 237.5
Odds courtesy of PointsBet Canada
Raptors vs Grizzlies spread and Over/Under analysis
- The spread has slimmed by half a point while early money came in on the Over, shifting the total from 237.5 to 239.5.
- The Raptors have lost eight games in a row but are 4-3-1 ATS during that span.
- The Grizzlies are fresh off a loss to the Clippers but they are 16-6 SU and 17-5 ATS in their last 22 games.
- Toronto was second in the NBA in rebounding rate (51.8%) a week ago. Poeltl has missed the last three games and the Raps are last in the league in reb rate (43.4%) over that span.
Raptors vs Grizzlies trend
The Raptors have covered the Spread in 23 of their last 36 games (+10.90 Units / 28% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Grizzlies.
How to watch Raptors vs Grizzlies
| Location: | FedExForum, Memphis, TN |
| Date: | Thursday, 12-26-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN, BSSE |
Raptors vs Grizzlies latest injuries
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