On February 5, the Memphis Grizzlies take on the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. The Raptors, coming off a home loss to the Knicks, are more competitive lately with a 9-8 record since January 1. Meanwhile, Memphis boasts a strong season, currently second in the Western Conference with a three-game winning streak. Tonight's matchup marks the Grizzlies' third game in four nights, but they come into this contest well-rested after a victory over San Antonio. The game promises a close encounter, with current odds favoring Memphis heavily.

The Grizzlies' road performance has been solid, while Toronto has shown resilience, particularly at home. Expert predictions suggest Memphis will win, but a spread bet on the Raptors at +7 is also advised. The total points set at 243 indicates a high-scoring game is anticipated between these two teams.

The NBA is set for an exciting Wednesday with a nine-game slate, tipping off at 7:00 p.m. ET. Key matchups include the new-look Spurs facing the Hawks, while the Nets, Bulls, Cavs, Heat, Sixers, and Raptors play for the second consecutive night. Notably, teams like the Nuggets, Warriors, and Timberwolves will begin back-to-back games. As injury reports continue to develop, valuable DFS options emerge. With Ja Morant's status uncertain, Jaren Jackson Jr. stands out as a core play following impressive recent performances, averaging 41.6 DraftKings points over his last eight games. Jamal Murray and Rudy Gobert are also primed for big nights as their production ramps up due to teammate absences.

While the Spurs welcome De'Aaron Fox, the Hawks' Trae Young looks likely to play, presenting intriguing DFS options. Players like Christian Braun and Gradey Dick are seen as strong value picks, particularly as teams adjust to injuries and new rotations. The Spurs versus Hawks matchup boasts the highest over/under, promising a high-scoring affair attracting fan interest and DFS investment.

Howard Eskin is set to make his return to the airwaves with a new podcast titled "The Howard Eskin Show," launching Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on various social media platforms, including X, Facebook, and Instagram. His inaugural guest will be Charles Barkley, a former Philadelphia 76ers star and current TNT analyst. Eskin hinted at a more unfiltered approach in his new show, stating that without corporate oversight, he plans to express his opinions more freely. The veteran sports commentator previously exited from WIP after almost four decades amid controversy over alleged inappropriate behavior.

In related sports news, Hubie Brown will call his final NBA game this Saturday, marking the end of a significant broadcasting career. Meanwhile, Colin Cowherd is returning to FS1 after a brief absence due to illness. Additionally, the Pro Bowl continues to struggle with viewership, with this year's flag football game recording the lowest ratings in its history.

The NBA Rising Stars Challenge has announced its rosters for the upcoming event, set for February 14 in San Francisco, with notable coaches including legends Tim Hardaway Sr., Chris Mullin, and Mitch Richmond. Each coach drafted a team of seven players from a pool of 21 rookies and sophomores, with Jeremy Lin helming the G League squad.

Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs is a standout for Team Chris, currently leading the NBA rookie ladder with 12.2 points per game. His teammate Zach Edey, representing the Memphis Grizzlies, is averaging impressive stats with 9.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets is a key player for Team Mitch, showcasing significant improvement in his second year. Team Tim made strategic picks including Zaccharie Risacher from the Atlanta Hawks and Alex Sarr from the Washington Wizards.

Excitement surrounds Mac McClung from the Orlando Magic G League, who is expected to compete in both the Rising Stars Game and the Dunk Contest, aiming for a third consecutive win. With this lineup, the Rising Stars Challenge promises to deliver exhilarating performances from the league's most promising young talents.

The NBA has undergone significant changes following two major trades over the weekend, reshaping the fortunes of several franchises. Luka Doncic has moved to the Los Angeles Lakers, joining forces with LeBron James, marking a pivotal moment in his career. This partnership is expected to enhance Doncic's growth, as he learns from one of the game's greatest. Meanwhile, GG Jackson of the Memphis Grizzlies pointed out the importance of Doncic's influence on LeBron's son, Bronny James, emphasizing how this dynamic could aid Bronny's development as an NBA prospect.

Jackson also mentioned that while Luka's guidance will be crucial for Bronny, it could similarly benefit Lakers' player Dalton Knecht. Jackson's own growth is being propelled by playing alongside Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. His recent performance, scoring 27 points against the San Antonio Spurs, highlights his potential within a strong Grizzlies team.