After suffering a humbling defeat to the LeBron James-less Los Angeles Lakers, the Boston Celtics will be looking to bounce back with a win against the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday (Feb. 4.) Marcus Smart has made the trip to Boston but won’t be suiting up, as he continues his recovering from a right finger injury.
The Celtics could be without Luke Kornet, who is listed as probable. He has missed the team’s last three games with a left hamstring strain. Jaylen Brown is also on the injury report, as he is questionable due to low back tightness. Boston will have a full rotation available outside those two.
Nevertheless, the Celtics will need to avoid the trap of expecting to win via talent. They fell into that trap against the Lakers and must show they’ve learned a lesson from the loss. Memphis will be without Smart, Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, and Brandon Clarke. Xavier Tillman is also questionable.
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The Celtics currently sit top of the Eastern Conference, four games ahead of the second-placed Milwaukee Bucks. The hope is Joe Mazzulla‘s team can continue stacking wins and creating space between themselves and the chasing pack. The game against the Bucks is the perfect opportunity to continue building momentum heading into the All-Star break.
Probable starting lineups
Celtics
- Jrue Holiday
- Derrick White
- Jayson Tatum
- Al Horford
- Kristaps Porzingis
Grizzlies
- Jacob Gilyard
- John Konchar
- Vince Williams Jr.
- David Roddy
- Santi Aldama
Our favorite Marcus Smart moments before his return to Boston https://t.co/bVHhAyeb24 pic.twitter.com/aHInLc323A
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) February 4, 2024
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