Boston Celtics at Toronto Raptors: Toronto Raptors
The first matchup of the day, this is bound to be a hotly contested competition between the two best teams in the Eastern Conference.
Considering the fact that Boston and Toronto combined have only one more loss (11) than the Grizzlies have wins (10), draft standing isn’t too big of a deal with these teams. Both the Celtics and the Raptors are gunning to come out of the East, and they’re not going to be too focused on their draft picks.
There’s really only one main reason that the Grizzlies want to Toronto Raptors coming out victorious: Marc Gasol.
Gasol was an instrumental part to the old Grit ‘N Grind Grizzlies system, and proved his loyalty by sticking it out with a team that had never given him the chance to win a championship.
Now, as Gasol has already won a championship with the Toronto Raptors, the Grizzlies fans and organization just want what’s best for Big Spain and the Raptors.
Unfortunately, Gasol won’t actually be playing in the Christmas day game, as he’s out for the next couple of weeks with a hamstring injury. Even then, he’ll be making a return soon, and when he does the Grizzlies hope to see the Raptors on top.