On Monday, 3/31, the Memphis Grizzlies (44-30) will host the Boston Celtics (55-19) in an inter-conference match-up. The Grizzlies have slipped to the fifth spot in the West, while the Celtics have secured the second position in the East. Will the Grizzlies be any match against the red-hot defending champs? Read through the preview, total predictions, and player props here.
Grizzlies: In danger of falling into the Play-in tournament
The Memphis Grizzlies will come into this game after suffering a 7-point loss against the LA Lakers, despite a 29-point outburst by Desmond Bane. It was their fifth loss in six games, and they are now 15-22 against teams with a +.500 record. Their tendency to lose against elite teams has stopped them from seizing the second spot in the West, and at this point, they can even lose a top-six spot in the conference.
Thus, they can end up playing the tricky play-in scenarios, and if they qualify, they can suffer a first-round exit against a high-ranked opponent in the first round. The Grizzlies have been terrible on the defensive end. They have given up 119.4 points per game(7th worst) this month, a problem that has haunted them all season long. Ja Morant has missed significant time due to injuries, and the team needs him to be available during the last stretch of the season.
Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Ja Morant | SG: Desmond Bane | SF: Jaylen Wells | PF: Jaren Jackson Jr. | C: Zach Edey
Key Injuries/Updates: No major updates thus far…
Celtics: On their way to repeat
The Boston Celtics will march into this affair after a 10-point win against the San Antonio Spurs, as Jayson Tatum put up 29 points. They are on an eight-game winning streak and are 23-4 since late January, indicating they have unlocked their best form at the right juncture. The defending champions are on fire on both ends, and they have been able to thrive despite the declining play of Jrue Holiday and Al Horford.
The Celts aren’t the most high-scoring team, but they can break a team’s spirit by making a ton of threes. In March, they have nailed league-leading 18.1 threes per game on an enviable 37.2% clip. They undergo long, cold shooting spells but can fall back on their terrific defense. The team has conceded just 107.8 PPG(3rd), allowing just 35% shooting from deep(4th).
Expected Starting Lineup
PG Jrue Holiday | SG: Derrick White | SG/SF: Jaylen Brown| SF/PF: Jayson Tatum | C: Kristaps Porzingis
Key Injuries/Updates: The status of Payton Pritchard and Al Horford is UNCLEAR.
The Grizzlies have been going past the 120-mark regularly this season, especially when Ja Morant is available. On the other hand, the Celts have been tremendous defensively and rarely allow teams to go past the aforementioned. Meanwhile, they showcase varied scoring since their three-point-heavy style can misfire sometimes. However, Memphis’ current defense isn’t adequate to force such spells. At any rate I expect the Celtics to score over 125 while limiting Memphis below 114.
Ja Morant to be limited under 21.5 points: The Grizzlies PG has scored 22.3 PPG in March, averaging over 30 PPG this month. However, I expect the Celtics defense to limit him under 20.
Zach Edey to clasp over 8.5 rebounds: Edey grabbed 7.4 rebounds per game in March, collecting double-digit rebounds thrice. I believe he will stack up 9-11 rebounds here.
Jayson Tatum to score over 29.5 points: The isolation master has bundled up 27.2 PPG this season and 28.2 PPG this month. I believe he will leap over his month’s average here.
Kristaps Porzingis to put up over 24.5 points: The Unicorn has tallied 19.4 PPG this season and 24.4 PPG this month. I believe he will be in 25-28 points range here.
The Celtics are in title-winning form, crushing any opponent in front of them. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies are in the opposite trajectory, appearing helpless against tough teams, even at home. Thus, the Celts will undoubtedly enter with an advantage here, and I believe they will capitalize upon Memphis’s lapses. They may win by 8+ points here.
Safe Spread Pick: Celtics -7.5 for +145 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Petre Thomas- Imagn Images
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