Celtics vs Grizzlies Picks & Betting: Boston Battling For Third Place In The East

The Boston Celtics (50-31, 42-37-2 ATS) visit the Memphis Grizzlies (56-25, 52-28-1) on Sunday at FedExForum in the final game of the season with playoff implications on the line. A Celtics win will guarantee them a top-three seed in the east, while they could fall to fourth with a loss. Will Boston maintain its position heading into the postseason? Find out in our Celtics vs Grizzlies prediction.

Celtics vs Grizzlies Odds & Analysis

Sportsbook Odds

The Grizzlies opened as a ?-point favorite with the total set at ? points. The OVER is 9-2 in Boston’s last 11 games and 10-3 in the last 13 meetings between the two clubs. Boston has dominated Memphis in recent years, winning nine of the last 10 matchups – a potential edge to the visitors for your Celtics vs Grizzlies prediction.

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Celtics Have Rare Defensive Miscue vs Bucks

Boston had its three-game win streak snapped on Thursday as the Celtics fell 127-121 to the Milwaukee Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday scored 29 points each to lead the Bucks while Marcus Smart also had 29 to top the Celtics. Jaylen Brown (22 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds) had a triple-double and Daniel Theis (22 points) also scored 20-plus for the Celtics but their defense let them down in the loss.

The Celtics had a rare off night defensively with their 127 points against marking the highest total they’ve allowed since February 27 – a 128-107 loss to the Indiana Pacers. Boston’s 104.4 points against per game ranks first in the NBA this season – an attribute which should serve them well heading into the postseason.

Al Horford (back) and Jayson Tatum (knee) are probably while Nik Stauskas (ankle) is out.

Morant Makes His Return To Grizzlies Lineup

Memphis routed the New Orleans Pelicans 141-114 in its last outing on Saturday. Dillon Brooks topped the Grizzlies with 23 points while Ja Morant (21 points) and Brandon Clarke (20 points) each scored 20-plus. CJ McCollum scored just 16 points to lead the Pelicans.

Other than the win, the Grizzlies got some good news on Saturday as Morant made his return to the lineup after missing three weeks due to a knee injury. The third-year point guard leads the team in points (27.6) and assists (6.7) per game and has been a key part of the Grizzlies’ best campaign since 2014-15.

Jarrett Culver (knee), Tyrell Terry (foot) and Killian Tillie (knee) are questionable for Sunday's matchup.

Celtics vs Grizzlies Pick & Insights

Celtics: Keys to Cover

Boston will want to lock in defensively against a deep Memphis squad that’s averaging 115.4 points per game – third in the NBA. With the playoffs right around the corner, the Celtics need to sharpen up after allowing 120-plus points in two of their last four outings.

Grizzlies: Keys to Cover

The key to the Grizzlies’ success this season has been their depth and that’s bolstered even further with the return of Morant. Memphis was already nearly unbeatable without their star point guard, so it’s hard to see how they can be stopped now. The Grizzlies are scoring 123.6 points over their last 10 contests and if that trend continues they’ll grab another win.

Odds Shark’s Computer Celtics vs Grizzlies Prediction: Celtics -5

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