The Boston Celtics (4-6) snapped a three-game losing streak on Wednesday, running past the hapless (and winless) Philadelphia 76ers for a 101-90 road victory. They will look to keep the proverbial ball rolling on the road against a talented Memphis Grizzlies squad (10-2) who had a four-game win streak snapped by the Toronto Raptor in eastern Canada a couple days ago.
Projected Starting Lineups
Boston Celtics
G Rajon Rondo - 10.4 ppg, 11.8 apg, 8.0 rpg
G Avery Bradley - 14.5 ppg, 2.8 rpg
F Jeff Green - 19.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg
F Jared Sullinger - 16.0 ppg, 8.8 rpg
C Kelly Olynyk - 12.4 ppg, 5.9 rpg
Memphis Grizzlies
G Mike Conley - 17.1 ppg, 5.9 apg
G Courtney Lee - 14.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.3 apg
F Tony Allen - 6.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg
F Zach Randolph - 16.6 ppg, 11.8 rpg
C Marc Gasol - 18.0 ppg, 7.8 rpg
What To Watch For:
Can the Celtics take advantage of the Grizzlies' Eastern Conference curse?
The Memphis Grizzlies' offense has been absolutely world-beating in seven games against Western Conference foes, scoring 104.0 points per game while winning all seven of those contests. In contrast, Memphis is just 3-2 while scoring at a 89.4 ppg clip against the East. If the Celtics can stick to their men and force the Grizzlies into rushed shots, they'll have a chance to keep the trend going.
Grizzlies look to stop the Celtics' offensive surge
The Celtics are just 1-2 in their last three games, but have been lighting it up scoring-wise to the tune of 112 points per game in those contest. The Memphis Grizzlies' defense is built to grind the shooters of opposing teams to fine dust (they allow just 91.8 points per game), so look for Memphis to hassle the Celtics both on the block and on the perimeter all night long.
Prediction: Grizzlies win 99-89
Expect Brad Stevens' club to keep things close for the first 30 minutes or so, using Rondo's work as a facilitator and Sullinger's beastly work down low to keep pace with the Grizzlies' on-again, off-again attack. However, with a rough stretch of games ahead, Memphis knows just how critical cashing this one in on their home floor will be. It's likely they'll play with their hair on fire, outgunning the Celtics in front of their home faithful down the stretch.
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