Best lineup strategy for Raptors vs. Grizzlies NBA Showdown

The Memphis Grizzlies will host the Toronto Raptors on Monday at 8:00 p.m. ET, and both teams will be missing key players in the matchup. OG Anunoby and Brandon Clarke are both dealing with calf injuries and have been ruled out of the contest. Their absences could have a significant impact on the fantasy upside of certain players, and we’ve broken down what you should look out for in Showdown games on DraftKings centered around the matchup.

Captain’s Picks

Pascal Siakam ($12,900) is set up to feast in this game. The Grizzlies will either be forced to use Gorgui Dieng or Xavier Tillman at small forward, and neither option is close to being athletic enough to keep up with Siakam. While his outside shot has been streaky, he should easily be able to take his matchup to the basket off the dribble. Fred VanVleet ($13,800) will probably be the most popular option given the roll he’s been on, but I feel like there’s enough value to make avoiding paying up for him worth it.

The value option worth taking a look at is Kyle Anderson ($9,600). The Raptors rank 30th against opposing small forwards and don’t have their best wing defender available. Anderson is far from an offensive maestro, but he can be a valuable contributor when matched up with an assortment of players that will include Norman Powell, De’Andre Bembry, Stanley Johnson, and Yuta Watanabe. You’re extremely likely to get 30+ minutes out of Anderson, and his price allows you to fit all the studs in the flex. You might just have to get creative with your final spot for GPPs if you deploy this method.

FLEX Plays

Chris Boucher ($6,200) is back? The Raptors’ backup center appeared to have fallen out of the rotation but reached 20 minutes for the first time in five games on Saturday. He’s eclipsed 32 DKFP in his last two games, and his length could benefit him against a team that’s lacking length in its frontcourt rotation.

Jonas Valanciunas ($7,800) comfortable cruised to 36.25 DKFP in 24 minutes off the bench on Saturday after missing five games because of COVID-19 health and safety protocols. While he is pricey for a player working his way back into things, I think the Grizzlies will be less strict about limiting his playing time after his last performance. He’s gotten two days to rest, and Toronto ranks 22nd against opposing centers on Draftkings.

Fades

Aron Baynes ($4,000) had his time in the spotlight last week, but that’s over now. The Raptors’ starting center tallied an abysmal 6.5 DKFP in 15 minutes by the end of his last outing and has tallied less than 12 DKFP twice in his last three games. Valanciunas isn’t the type of big he can bully with physicality, so the Raptors could be better off taking him away from the rim with Boucher to create space.

The Outcome

The Raptors had their three-game losing streak snapped by the Atlanta Hawks in their last game, but the Grizzlies are riding a three-game losing streak. Toronto has begun to turn things around, and three of its players are capable of playing at an All-Star level with Anunoby out. I think the Raptors should come away with a win by a narrow margin on the road.

Final score: Raptors win 115-108