Vegas Line at this writing: Memphis -4.5 (193.5)
Tonight we look at two teams playing well as we head into the final 20 games of the season. Memphis (45-18) is just a rock solid organization at the moment that has seemingly sat in the two hole in the West forever. The Grizz trail Golden State by 5.5 games for the top seed and are two games better than Houston and Portland. Memphis
has won three of four and is 17-5 straight up against the East. The 26-36 Celtics have won six of nine and are beginning to sniff the eighth and final playoff spot in the East. Boston is currently two back of Charlotte and Miami with 20 games to play.
The Grizzlies have won five straight in the series (3-2 ATS) including the first meeting this year, a 117-100 (-6.5, 200) decision at Fed Ex Arena all the way back on November 21st. In that game, Memphis led 55-41 at the half and shot 53% for the game hitting 8-16 treys and converting 13-14 free throw attempts. The Memphis front court dominated with Marc Gasol leading the way with 32 points and 8 boards. Zombo (Zach Randolph) kicked in 16/16. Memphis is 11-3 to the Under in its L14 while the Celtics are on a 12-6 Over run in its L18. The Grizzles are 16-1 ATS at Boston since entering the NBA,
Memphis:
The Grizzlies are arguably the most complete team is the NBA with no glaring weaknesses. They get consistent balanced scoring and far in a way the best defensive team in the NBA. In fact, Memphis leads the league or is top three in almost every defensive statistical category. Marc Gasol was considered a throw in when the Grizz sent
brother Pao to the Lakers in 2008. The “little” Gasol has emerged as a premier big man that can score (18.1, 7.9, 3.8) rebound and play defense. Along with Zach Randolph (16.4, 11.4, 1.8) and Jeff Green (15.3, 4.2, 1.8), Memphis has arguably the best front court in the NBA.
Boston:
Brad Stevens looks to be finally getting through to the Celtics despite losing his best players in Rondo and Green along the way while. You really can’t blame Stevens as Danny Ainge is perpetually rebuilding and the roster is in a current state of flux. Isiah Thomas who came over from a recent deal with Phoenix is the current leading scorer
but will be a game time decision after bruising his elbow in a hard fall vs. Miami on Monday. Check status. Jared Sullinger (14.4, 8.1) was having a break out year before going out for the year with a foot injury. Sullinger’s injury has opened the door for ex-Gonzaga star Kelly Olynyk who (10.5, 5.1) who is on his way back after suffering an
ankle injury back on January 22nd.
Allen’s Angles
Memphis is 7-1 SU and 5-2-1 ATS vs. Atlantic Division opponents this year
The Grizz are 3-7 ATS in their L10 vs. losing records
The Over is 6-2 this year when Memphis is a road fave of 3-6 points
The Under is 8-2 in the Grizz L10 vs. losing records
Boston is 6-1 ATS off 3+ road games
The Celtics are 11-17 ATS in their L28 vs. the Southwest, 4-4 this year
The Over is 9-2 this year when the Celtics are off a straight up win as a dog
The Under is 5-2 in Boston’s L7 vs winning records