Celtics at Grizzlies preview: Boston wraps up road trip in Memphis seeking ninth straight win
The Grizzlies, one of the West's top seeds for much of the season, are suddenly reeling after the stunning firing of coach Taylor Jenkins just weeks before the start of the playoffs.
Memphis has lost five of its last six entering Monday, with the most recent loss the first under interim coach Tuomas Iisalo.
Tip-off in Memphis is set for 7:30 p.m. Here's a preview.
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When:
Monday, 7:30 p.m.
Where:
FedExForum, Memphis
TV, radio:
NBCSB, TNT, WBZ-FM 98.5
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Line:
Boston -4.5.
O/U:
236.5.
CELTICS
Season record:
55-19.
vs. spread:
35-39.
Over/under:
34-39, 1 push
Last 10 games:
9-1.
vs. spread:
5-5.
Over/under:
5-5
GRIZZLIES
Season record:
44-30.
vs. spread:
38-35, 1 push.
Over/under:
43-31
Last 10 games:
4-6.
vs. spread:
2-8.
Over/under:
5-5
TEAM STATISTICS
Points per game:
Boston 116.9, Memphis 122.2
Points allowed per game:
Boston 107.8, Memphis 117.1
Field goal percentage:
Boston .463, Memphis .481
Opponent field goal percentage:
Boston .452, Memphis .458
3-point percentage:
Boston .370, Memphis .368
Opponent 3-point percentage:
Boston .350, Memphis .363
Stat of the day:
The Celtics have an NBA-best 31-7 record in road games.
Notes:
Boston has won eight games in a row, 13 of its past 14, and seven straight on the road. ... Boston has been using a lineup that has 7-foot-1 Luke Kornet and 7-foot-2 Kristaps Porzingis on the floor at the same time, and that resulted in a 54-35 rebounding edge against San Antonio. Kornet had 15 points and a career-high 16 rebounds in the win. ... Memphis guard Ja Morant missed six straight games before returning to action against the Lakers. He collected 22 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds in the loss. ... The Grizzlies also had a recent in-house flap, providing a viral moment when Desmond Bane shoved teammate Santi Aldama during a timeout in a win over Utah on March 25. Aldama returned to his feet and walked toward Bane before teammates separated them. 'Little disagreement,' Aldama told The (Memphis) Commercial Appeal. 'Definitely not a good look.'
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