The Memphis Grizzlies arrived in Toronto on Sunday night and completed a team walkthrough Monday morning as they look to end a three-game losing streak against the Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. The all-time series between the two teams has been remarkably even since the Grizzlies moved to Memphis. The Grizzlies hold a 25-24 record against the Raptors dating back to 2001, and the last 10 games between the two teams have been split evenly 5-5. Memphis’ trip North of the United States border will also be a homecoming for starting center Zach Edey, who grew up in Toronto’s northern suburbs. Edey said Monday morning that more than 40 friends and family have already asked for tickets to attend. This will be just the second time he has played inside Scotiabank Arena since the Grizzlies drafted him in 2024. In his first career game against Toronto, at home inside FedExForum on Dec. 26, 2024, Edey finished with 21 points and 16 rebounds as the Grizzlies set a franchise record with 155 points scored in a win. What was the key to that performance? “They played the anthem,” said Edey, referencing “O Canada.” The big man will no doubt hear it again on Monday. He takes pride in his country and confirmed Monday that he plans to play for the Canadian national team in the 2027 FIBA World Cup next summer, as long as he is healthy. The top two teams from the Americas at the World Cup (excluding host USA) qualify directly for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The Grizzlies will close out the week with three more games: Wednesday, Nov. 11 vs. Denver; Friday, Nov. 13 vs. New Orleans (NBA Cup group play); and Saturday, Nov. 14 vs. Brooklyn.
Zach Edey withdrew from Olympic consideration ahead of Paris 2024 in order to begin preparing for his NBA career. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian file)
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