WHO: Boston Celtics (50-31, 23-17 away) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (56-25, 30-10 home)
WHEN: 6:00 PM CT
WHERE: FedExForum in Memphis, TN
HOW TO WATCH/LISTEN: TNT/92.9 FM ESPN Memphis
BETTING INFORMATION (per DraftKings) – Grizzlies +6.5; O/U 228.5
INJURY REPORT:
MEMPHIS: Ja Morant (Questionable, knee management), Santi Aldama (Questionable, Non-Covid Illness), Tyrell Terry (Out, foot), Killian Tillie (Out, knee), Jarrett Culver (Out, knee)
BOSTON: Nik Stauskas (OUT, Ankle), Robert Williams (Out, Knee)
PROJECTED STARTING LINEUPS:
MEMPHIS: Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, Jaren Jackson Jr., Steven Adams
BOSTON: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, Derrick White, Grant Williams
A few weeks have passed since the Memphis Grizzlies’ season of 2021-2022 officially began, but here we are in the latter moments of the regular season.
At this point, the Grizzlies aren’t concerned about playoff seeding or anything else when they host the Boston Celtics in the season finale at FedExForum on Sunday night.
The Grizzlies may not have much to play for this season, but they still have a reason to be motivated by Sunday’s game against the Thunder.
For starters, they’ll be aiming to break the team’s previous record of 56 regular-season victories, established in the 2012-2013 season. And considering Memphis’ remarkable start to the season, the team should be given the opportunity to go all-out to break that record if they so choose. For statistical considerations, Ja Morant may be able to play a little amount on Sunday. In order for Morant to be included in the season’s official stat leaderboards. It’s imperative that he play in at least 58 games, and Sunday will be his 58th.
In contrast to the Cavaliers, the Celtics have a purpose to play for. Many clubs’ postseason placement is still important in an Eastern Conference playoff picture that has been tense for months. As a consequence, the Celtics will approach this game as if it were any other, and they will be focused on winning.
Fans at FedExForum will be able to see two of the top teams since 2022 when the Celtics and the Grizzlies play each other. Ime Udoka and Taylor Jenkins, two of the most deserving contenders for Coach of the Year, will face off in a coaching duel.
Memphis’ depth has already been shown, even if several of the team’s regulars are unable to participate. The following are some ways they can beat Boston:
Getting the Best Possibility Shot
The Boston Celtics have been the NBA’s greatest defensive team since January, and there isn’t much disagreement about that. The Celtics are the best defensive team in the NBA, even without Robert Williams. Finding success in the lane will thus be incredibly difficult, particularly following a night in which the Grizzlies were able to score freely.
When it comes to keeping possession of the ball, the Grizzlies will need to be more effective with their passes. Each possession will need all of the Grizzlies’ decision-making and passing prowess as the season has advanced to locate the best shot imaginable. When Ja Morant and Tyus Jones play only a few minutes each, the Grizzlies still have a chance to win. To win a game, the whole team has to be on the same page.
Taking Advantage of the Chance
With that said, most of the Grizzlies’ postseason roster has been decided. It’s still possible for certain players to make a strong case for their inclusion in the rotation. There is a good chance that Ziaire Williams, Kyle Anderson, and John Konchar will all be in the playoffs. Nonetheless, to what extent? A strong offensive performance against the Celtics, an excellent defensive unit and a serious contender in the Eastern Conference, might go a long way toward helping these guys’ cases. One more piece of evidence is never a bad thing, even though everyone knows that the Grizzlies’ depth is ready to step up when necessary.
The Memphis Grizzlies have earned the right to take a well-deserved break once again. However, setting a club record most victories in a season seems to be sufficient incentive for a squad that constantly seems to rewrite history. No matter how much time is given to a few of the regulars. Similar to their performance against Phoenix nine days ago, it is possible that the Grizzlies will give Boston a tough time in this game.
Is it possible to rewrite history? The finest regular season in team history might finish on the best possible note if this happens.
In the end, the Grizzlies defeated the Celtics 109-104.