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Memphis Grizzlies (45-18) at Boston Celtics (26-36)
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
7:30 PM ET
Regular Season Game #63, Home Game #32
TV: CSNNE, Sport South, NBA-LP 755(DTV),757(xfinity)
Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, WMFS
TD Garden
Probable Starting Matchups
Point Guard
vs
Marcus Smart vs Mike Conley
Shooting Guard 
vs
Avery Bradley vs Courtney Lee
Small Forward 
vs
Evan Turner vs Jeff Green
Power Forward 
vs
Brandon Bass vs Zach Randolph
Center 
vs
Tyler Zeller vs Marc Gasol
ReservesGerald Wallace
Jae Crowder
James Young
Phil Pressey
Shavlik Randolph
Jonas Jerebko
Gigi Datome
Kelly Olynyk
InjuriesAvery Bradley (elbow) possible
Jared Sullinger (foot) out
Evan Turner (toe) probable
Isaiah Thomas (back, elbow) game time decision
Head CoachBrad Stevens
ReservesBeno Udrih
Kosta Koufos
Nick Calathes
Vince Carter
Jordan Adams
Tony Allen
Jon Leuer
InjuriesNone
D-League Russ Smith
Jarnell Stokes
Head CoachDavid Joerger
Game Notes The Celtics host the Memphis Grizzlies for the second and final meeting between these two teams. The Grizzlies won the first game in Memphis 117-100, in spite of being short handed. They are at full strength for this one and will be a tough matchup for the Celtics with the size that they have in their front line.
The Grizzlies have 3 former Celtics who play prominent roles on their team. Jeff Green and Courtney Lee are listed as starters and Tony Allen is key off the bench. The Grizzlies are 19-7 since they made the trade for Jeff Green. Green won his first 8 starts with the Grizzlies.
Both teams are 6-4 in their last 10 games. The Celtics are 15-16 at home and they have won 6 of their last 7 at home. The Grizzlies are 21-11 at home. The Grizzlies are the 2nd seed in the West while the Celtics are 2 games behind Charlotte for the 8th seed in the East. Both teams are looking for their second straight win.
The Grizzlies are at full strength without any injuries to report as of now. The Celtics are far from full strength. They will definitely miss Jared Sullinger against the Grizzlies big front court of Randolph and Gasol. Avery Bradley may be back for this game and the Celtics certainly can use him. Their biggest concern will be if Isaiah Thomas can't play after hitting the floor hard in the Celtics win over the Heat. He is listed as a game time decision.
Key Matchups vs
Brandon Bass vs Zach Randolph
Brandon Bass has been playing some of his best basketball in recent games and he will need a big game in this one on both ends of the court. Randolph is averaging 16.4 points and 11.4 rebounds per game. Bass will have his hands full trying to slow Randolph down.
vs
Tyler Zeller vs Marc Gasol
The other half of the Grizzlies starting front court is averaging 18.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. He is one of the top centers in the league and stopping both Randolph and Gasol will be key for the Celtics.
Honorable Mention
Marcus Smart vs Mike Conley
Conley is averaging 16.2 points, 3.2 rebounds , and 5.4 assists. Smart will need to use his size and defense to try to slow Conley down and keep him from getting the Grizzlies into their sets quickly.
Keys to the Game
Defense - Defense is always key to getting a win. The Celtics must defend especially in the paint where the Grizzlies can be very dangerous. The Grizzlies are 33-2 when they shoot a higher percentage than their opponents. It will be crucial for the Celtics to play tough team defense in this game.
Play 48 Minutes - The Celtics can't just play hard half the game. They have to play hard for the entire game. They also can't let up down the stretch and have to focus especially at the end of the game when a veteran team like the Grizzlies can be very tough.
Rebound - Crashing the boards won't be all that easy with Randolph and Gasol crowding the paint. But the Celtics must put out extra effort to grab as many rebounds as they can because they have to get the ball in order to score and they must keep the Grizzlies from scoring easy second chance points.
Run, Run Run! - The Celtics need to run on every possession and try to get some easy baskets before the Grizzlies' tough defense gets set up.
Be Aggressive - Against a very tough Grizzlies team, the Celtics can't afford to be passive. They have to be aggressive on defense, in going after loose balls, in going to the hoop, and in grabbing rebounds. They have to be the team that wants it more.
X-Factors
Injuries and Bench PlayIf Isaiah Thomas can't play, or is limited by his sore back, the Celtics will definitely be at a disadvantage. On the other hand, if they get Avery Bradley back, that would be a good thing. The Celtics bench will need to produce for the Celtics to win. Hopefully they will continue to get good production from Luigi, Jonas, Isaiah, Jae, and Kelly. In the first meeting between these two teams, Grizzlies reserve Jon Leuer scored a season high 19.7 points to go with 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Also, Tony Allen is always dangerous playing his former team.
Topic: Grizzlies (45-18) at Celtics (26-36) Game #63 3/11/15 (Read 52781 times)