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Raptors seek first win over Grizzlies in nine tries

Mar 7, 2007 - 3:30 PM Memphis (15-46) at Toronto (32-28) 7:00 pm EST

TORONTO (Ticker) - Although they entered the league in the same season, the Toronto Raptors have struggled lately with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Chris Bosh looks to lead the Raptors to their first victory over the Grizzlies since December 1, 2002, and snap a three-game losing streak overall when the teams meet Wednesday for the final time this season.

Toronto won eight of the first 12 meetings with the Grizzlies, mostly during the years when the teams met for Canadian bragging rights. Prior to moving to Memphis in 2001, the Grizzlies were based in Vancouver.

However, the Grizzlies have dominated the series since then, winning the eighth straight encounter with a 110-104 victory December 30. It was interim coach Tony Barone's first triumph after replacing Mike Fratello.

The Raptors have shown some defensive vulnerability, allowing 120 and 129 points in losing their last two games. That could be bad news against Memphis, which averages 106.1 points to rank second in the league.

Bosh, who averages 22.8 points and 10.3 rebounds, scored 25 in Tuesday's 129-109 setback at Washington.

Toronto still owns a four-game lead over New Jersey in the Atlantic Division. Memphis has lost four consecutive games and seven of its last eight. The Grizzlies also are just 4-26 on the road, including lost 10 of 11 against Eastern Conference foes.

The Grizzlies are coming off Saturday's 92-89 defeat to Detroit. Mike Miller scored 24 points and Pau Gasol added 22 with 15 rebounds for Memphis.