2. Toronto Raptors (23-43)
The Toronto Raptors are amid a clear franchise rebuild following the mid-season trades of both OG Anunoby and perennial All-Star Pascal Siakam.
With a healthy Scotty Barnes, there's an argument to be made that they could be the superior team compared to this Ja Morant and Desmond Bane-less Grizzlies core, but, with him out for an indefinite period of time moving forward due to a hand fracture, there seems to be no contest.
14 points + 5 steals in the first quarter thoooooo https://t.co/1Lv9dTHRei pic.twitter.com/FXwZGOhl9h
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) January 23, 2024
Last we saw these two clubs square off, several of Memphis' contributors went on to cook Toronto, with three players dropping 18 or more points including Jaren Jackson Jr. who dropped in 27 points to go along with 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 6 steals, and a block.
The inexperience of this Raptors team is quite glaring, as they've gone just 11-22 since creating their new foundation with RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley in the fold.
From Jackson Jr.'s defensive skills and star status to Luke Kennard's three-point excellence, it's apparent that the Grizzlies simply have more firepower than Toronto does, which, more often than not, gives them better odds of competing on any given night.
Be it when fully healthy or during this injury-plagued season, Memphis seems to be the easy bet over the Raptors nearly every time.