Boston Celtics vs Memphis Grizzlies Picks and Predictions December 7th 2024

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At 8:00 ET, the Memphis Grizzlies (15-8) will travel to take on the Boston Celtics (19-4) at TD Garden. The Celtics are currently favored by 6.5 points and have won three straight games. The over/under line for this non-conference matchup is set at 237.

This game will be televised on NBCS. The Grizzlies are currently 4th in the Western Conference, while the Celtics are 2nd in the East.

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Grizzlies vs. Celtics Key Information

  • Sport: NBA
  • Teams: Memphis Grizzlies at Boston Celtics
  • Where: Boston at TD Garden
  • Date: Saturday, December 7th
  • Betting Odds BOS -6.5, MEM +210 | BOS -253 O/U 237

The Grizzlies Can Win If…

The Grizzlies improved to 15-8 on the season with a 115-110 win over the Kings on Thursday. Memphis, playing at home, entered the game as -3 point favorites and covered the spread. The total score of 225 points fell short of the 242.5 O/U line.

A key moment came when the Grizzlies went on a 15-0 run, turning a 78-73 deficit into an 88-78 lead. The game was tied at 86 heading into the 4th quarter, but Memphis outscored Sacramento 29-24 in the final period to secure the win.

Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart each scored 18 points in the Grizzlies’ 115-110 win over the Kings, with Bane adding 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Smart hit 4 threes, shooting 50% from deep, and added 7 points in the 4th quarter. Bane also contributed 8 points in the 3rd quarter.

Memphis connected on 13 threes, shooting 34.2% from beyond the arc, while finishing with a 47.5% field goal percentage overall. Jaren Jackson and Santi Aldama both added 15 points, with Aldama and Jake LaRavia scoring 5 points each in the final period.

Despite giving up 62 points in the first half, the Grizzlies tightened up defensively in the 3rd and 4th quarters, allowing just 24 points in each to help secure the win. Overall, they held the Kings to 110 points on 39% shooting.

Memphis was particularly effective at defending the three-point line, where they limited Sacramento to just 8 made threes on 22% shooting. The Grizzlies also recorded 9 steals and 5 blocks in the game.

  • Across their last five road contests, Memphis has a 4-1 record vs the spread. Their overall mark in these games was 2-3, while averaging 126 points per game.
  • The last ten games that Memphis was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 7-3 while going 3-7 straight up.
  • Over their last five games, the Grizzlies have an over/under record of 2-3 and are 3-2 vs. the spread.

The Celtics Can Win If…

Boston improved to 19-4 with a 111-105 win over Milwaukee on Friday. The Celtics were favored by 8 points at home but didn’t cover the spread. The game’s total of 216 points fell short of the 228.5-point O/U line.

Boston trailed 82-78 going into the 4th quarter but outscored the Bucks 33-23 in the final period to secure the win.

Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 34 points and 10 rebounds in their win over the Bucks, shooting 60% from the field and hitting 4 threes at a 40% rate. Jaylen Brown added 25 points, while Jrue Holiday contributed 20 points and 6 assists, making 4 threes at 44.4%.

Boston made 17 threes, shooting 32.1% from deep and 46% overall. Tatum scored 14 points in the 4th quarter, while Holiday added 9, and Brown had 7 in the final period.

Defensively, the Celtics gave up 105 points to the Bucks but held them to just 23 points in the 4th quarter to secure the win. Boston allowed Milwaukee to shoot 42% from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Bucks made 11 threes at a 37% clip. The Celtics sent Milwaukee to the line 17 times, where they made 14 free throws. Boston grabbed 34 defensive rebounds and recorded 5 steals and 6 blocks.

  • In their last ten games at home, the Celtics have a straight up record of 8-2 while going 4-6 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 122 points per game in these contests.
  • In their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Celtics have a straight up record of 10-0 and an ATS mark of 3-7.
  • In their last five games, the Celtics have an over/under record of 2-3 and are 2-3 vs. the spread.

The Lean

When looking to get a point-spread pick down in this Grizzlies vs. Celtics game, our recommendation is to take the Grizzlies at +6.5. Despite our model showing the Celtics winning 143-140, we like Grizzlies as our point-spread pick.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 237, and our model predicts the Grizzlies and Celtics to score a combined 283 points. We recommend betting on the over.

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Marcus Smart’s Emotional Return as Grizzlies Face Uphill Battle Against the Celtics in Boston

The Memphis Grizzlies face a daunting challenge when they visit the Boston Celtics on Saturday. The Celtics, riding high with a seven-game home winning streak, have dominated this matchup historically, winning 16 of the last 17 games against Memphis, including the last 10 in Boston.

For former Celtic Marcus Smart, this game is much more than just another matchup. After spending nine seasons in Boston, Smart is returning to TD Garden for the first time as a Grizzlies player following a three-team trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis to Boston.


Marcus Smart’s Homecoming: A Game of Emotions

Smart, who is listed as questionable due to an ankle injury, expressed his eagerness to suit up against his former team.

“I spent a lot of years in TD Garden,” Smart said. “Coming back on the other side of the bench, it’s definitely going to be emotional. But it’s a game, and I’ll do everything I can to help my team win.”

Smart’s recent performances have been solid, including an 18-point effort in Memphis’ 115-110 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday. Despite his injury concerns, Smart sounds ready for the emotional and competitive challenge Boston poses.

The Grizzlies view this game as a critical benchmark. Guard Desmond Bane called it “a good barometer” for Memphis, offering the team a chance to assess its readiness against an Eastern Conference powerhouse.


Boston’s Resilience Shines Through

The Celtics have shown they can overcome adversity, as evidenced by their gritty 111-105 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday. Despite hitting only 17% of their three-point attempts (17-of-53), Boston leaned on its defense to secure the win.

“We’ve been through it (poor shooting),” said guard Jrue Holiday, who scored six of his 20 points in the final six minutes. “We rely on our defense to save us and keep it close. Our defense held it down for us today.”

Jayson Tatum led the way with 34 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments. Boston’s defense was particularly impressive down the stretch, limiting Milwaukee to just 1-of-13 shooting in the final six minutes.

“I thought our defense kept us in it, and we continued to fight for great looks,” said Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla.


Key Factors to Watch

  1. Marcus Smart’s Impact
    Smart knows Boston’s defensive schemes better than most, but the Celtics are well aware of his capabilities. How Smart handles the pressure of his return—and how Boston neutralizes him—will be pivotal.
  2. Boston’s Depth and Rotation
    Kristaps Porzingis, who sat out Friday for injury management, is expected to return, adding a versatile scoring and defensive option. Meanwhile, Al Horford’s status is uncertain, as he often rests during back-to-back games.
  3. Tatum’s Leadership
    Tatum continues to be a driving force for Boston, and Memphis will need to devise a strong defensive plan to limit his impact, particularly in clutch moments.
  4. Grizzlies’ Testing Ground
    Memphis aims to build momentum after a win over Sacramento. This game serves as a litmus test to measure their competitiveness against one of the league’s elite teams.

Game Outlook

The Celtics are favorites heading into Saturday’s game, given their dominance over Memphis and their stellar home-court performance. However, the Grizzlies, led by a motivated Marcus Smart, will look to disrupt Boston’s rhythm and end their losing streak in this matchup.

The Celtics’ defense, a cornerstone of their identity, will likely play a key role again. Memphis, meanwhile, must capitalize on any fatigue Boston might face from playing on consecutive nights.

As Boston continues to eye championship aspirations, every game offers a chance to build cohesion and resilience. For Memphis, this is an opportunity to prove they can compete with the NBA’s best.


Conclusion

Saturday’s matchup at TD Garden promises intensity, drama, and a clash of old and new allegiances. For Marcus Smart, it’s a moment filled with emotion and purpose. For the Celtics, it’s a chance to extend their winning streak and reinforce their home dominance.

Regardless of the outcome, the game will showcase the resilience, strategy, and heart of two competitive teams aiming to make their mark this season.

By Rick Rockwell | December 23, 2024
By Rick Rockwell | December 16, 2024
By Kody Miller | October 17, 2024
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