The 28-14 Boston Celtics host the 20-23 Memphis Grizzlies as Boston hopes to build off of the momentum of their Jan. 20 blowout of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Memphis has been surprisingly good this season, to the chagrin of Celtics fans everywhere.
Boston will control their pick this season should it fall outside of the top-six protections it has for the 2020 NBA Draft (becoming unprotected the season after), and with the Grizzlies currently in eighth place in the West, the pick would be a rather mediocre one.
The Celtics, on the other hand, currently sit in fourth place in the East in the middle of a tight race, with the second-place Miami Heat just 1.5 games ahead of them, and the Toronto Raptors just a half-game in front.
The Philadelphia 76ers are but a half game behind, and Boston has been on a bit of a losing streak lately until their last win, having won just four of their last 10 games; Memphis, conversely, has won eight of its last 10.
The Celtics will continue to be without center Robert Williams III (hip) until the All-Star break, and Jaylen Brown, who sprained an ankle in the win over Los Angeles. Kemba Walker (knee – probable) may sit, per NBC Sports’ Chris Forsberg.
The Grizzlies are without forward Bruno Caboclo (bone bruise – knee), and also veteran wing Andre Iguodala as he seeks a role on a contender.
While the Celtics have an advantage in talent, a mailed-in effort would easily result in a loss against this young, dynamic team.
Boston ought to be able to continue their positive turn on Martin Luther King Day with a win though. Most online bookmakers seem to agree, granting the Celtics a -7 spread.
