The Boston Celtics visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night at FedExForum. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET. Boston enters with a 55-19 record and the second-best mark in the East. Memphis is 44-30 and sitting fifth in the Western Conference.
This is the second meeting between these teams this season. The Grizzlies beat the Celtics 127-121 back on December 7. Boston is looking to finish off a six-game road trip with another win after beating San Antonio on Saturday night.
MEM Preview – Grizzlies Searching for Answers
Memphis has lost five of its last six games. Their most recent loss was a 134-127 defeat to the Lakers on Saturday. It was the team’s first game under interim coach Tuomas Iisalo after Taylor Jenkins was fired.
Ja Morant returned from a six-game absence and posted 22 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds. Desmond Bane has been the team’s leading scorer all year, while Jaren Jackson Jr. has helped on the defensive end with blocks and rim protection. The team has also dealt with distractions off the court, including a timeout argument between Bane and Santi Aldama last week.
Memphis scores 114.5 points per game but has given up 120 or more in five of its last six games. They’ve struggled to defend the perimeter and allow over 47% shooting overall. The Grizzlies are 26-12 at home this season but just 1-4 in their last five home games.
BOS Preview – Celtics Keep Rolling on the Road
Boston has won eight straight games and 13 of its last 14. The Celtics are 31-7 on the road, the best road record in the league. They dominated San Antonio 121-111 on Saturday thanks to a big edge on the glass and strong shooting.
Boston is using a big lineup with Luke Kornet and Kristaps Porzingis playing together. Kornet had 15 points and a career-best 16 rebounds last game. Jayson Tatum leads the team in scoring at 26.8 points per game, with Jaylen Brown adding over 23 per game. The Celtics also have strong backcourt depth with Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Payton Pritchard.
The Celtics allow just 109.4 points per game and lead the NBA in defensive efficiency. They also rank top-five in three-point percentage and make the second-most threes per game. Boston has covered the spread in seven straight games and continues to play at a high level on both ends of the court.
Betting Prediction
Boston enters as the hotter team and is favored to win on the road. The Celtics have covered the spread in seven straight games and have played well in tough environments. Memphis is adjusting to a coaching change and struggling on defense.
Boston’s size gives them a strong rebounding edge, and they are playing with consistency. Memphis has not covered in four of its last five games. The projected final score is Boston 118, Memphis 106. Boston should win and cover.
Pick: Celtics -7.5
Boston tops the Grizzlies and gets some revenge on a loss earlier in the season. Take the Celtics to win and cover this one.
