Preview: Boston Looks to Keep Momentum vs Memphis
Photo by Kathryn Riley | Getty Images
The Celtics were able to bounce back with a big win over the Orlando Magic yesterday. However, they now have to face off against the Grizzlies on night two of a back-to-back.
Memphis is led by star point guard Ja Morant. He’s averaging 19.0 points and 7.4 assists on the season. Morant’s supporting cast is composed of Dillion Brooks, Jonas Valanciunas, Kyle Anderson, and Brandon Clarke. They are all averaging at least 12 points this year. The Grizzlies also have depth with Grayson Allen and rookie Desmond Bane, both of whom are averaging 9.6 points.
They sit at 19-20 on the year, which is good for 10th in the Western Conference. Memphis has been very average as of late, going 5-5 in their last 10 games. They’re bottom ten in the league in scoring, but hang their hat on the defensive end. They are currently top ten in the league in points allowed, letting up only 110.6 points a night.
Boston, on the other hand, has been struggling to defend anything since the All-Star break. Before this past game against the Magic, they were one of the worst defensive teams in the league since the break. Marcus Smart said that after their loss to the Kings they had a team meeting. They talked about how they could fix this season, and something must have clicked because they played with some great energy against Orlando.
Jaylen Brown erupted for a career-high ten three-pointers. He was on fire, and Jayson Tatum was, too. The whole team seemed to click on both ends of the floor. Smart helps their playmaking immensely, and that was on full display yesterday as he dropped eight dimes. Brad Stevens even praised their ball and player movement as a team.
The Celtics got the upper-hand the last time these two teams faced off. It was a 126-107 massacre where the C’s dominated. Brown dropped 42 points, leading the way for the C’s. Memphis, however, was without Morant.
They will be tested tonight, however, as Kemba Walker will not be playing. He has been sitting out the second game of back-to-backs all year long in order to manage his knee injury. Walker joins Tristan Thompson and Romeo Langford on the injury report for Boston. Jaren Jackson Jr. is the only player listed on Memphis’ injury report. He’s been out all year with a knee injury and is expected to miss a few more weeks.
Make sure to tune in to our live pregame show, the Banner Town Build Up, 30 minutes before the game on YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook @GuyBostonSports. The Celtics tip-off against the Grizzlies tonight at 9:00 PM EST on NBC Sports Boston.
