Ja Morant’s Turnover Woes and Brown’s Determination Set the Stage for Celtics vs Grizzlies Clash
Game Details
The highly anticipated matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and Boston Celtics is set for Wednesday, November 12, at 6:40 p.m. CST. The game will take place at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, and will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network South/Southeast for Grizzlies fans and NBC Sports Boston for Celtics supporters. If you’re tuning in on the radio, catch the action on WMFS-FM.
Current Standings and Recent Performances
Both teams enter this game following disappointing road losses on Tuesday night. The Grizzlies (4-8) began a four-game road trip with a 133-120 defeat against the New York Knicks, while the Celtics (5-7) narrowly fell to the Philadelphia 76ers, losing 102-100. Both squads will be looking to regain their footing as they battle fatigue on the second night of back-to-back games.
Ja Morant, the Grizzlies’ dynamic playmaker, led his team with 10 assists but was plagued by turnovers, committing eight while shooting just 4-for-14 from the field. Meanwhile, Jaylen Brown, who scored 24 points along with six rebounds and five assists, expressed disappointment in himself, acknowledging that he let his teammates down in a game that was within reach.
Historical Context
The Grizzlies managed to snap a six-game losing streak against the Celtics last season with a win at TD Garden, marking a significant moment in their rivalry. Historically, Boston has dominated the matchup, boasting a 17-2 record against Memphis over their last 19 encounters leading up to December 17. However, that 10-game home winning streak against the Grizzlies came to an end last season when Morant delivered an impressive performance, recording 32 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists.
Betting Lines
According to DraftKings, the Celtics are favored to win by 6.5 points, with a moneyline of -258, while the Grizzlies are listed at +210. The total points over/under is set at 230.5, presenting an interesting betting landscape for fans and analysts alike.
Projected Starters
For the Grizzlies:
F Jaylen Wells
F Jaren Jackson Jr.
C Jock Landale
G Ja Morant
G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
For the Celtics:
F Jaylen Brown
F Josh Minott
C Neemias Queta
G Payton Pritchard
G Derrick White
Injury Updates
The Celtics will be without star forward Jayson Tatum, who is recovering from a right Achilles tear. Additionally, Max Shulga and Amari Williams are both out as they continue their stints in the G League. Sam Hauser, nursing a right wrist sprain, is available to play.
On the Grizzlies’ side, Brandon Clarke is out following knee surgery, while Zach Edey is sidelined due to ankle surgery. Ty Jerome is dealing with a right calf strain, and both Scotty Pippen Jr. and Javon Small are out for various recovery reasons.
What to Watch For
Brown’s commitment to improving from his recent performance is crucial for Boston as they look to rebound against a hungry Grizzlies team. Reflecting on the loss to Philadelphia, Brown remarked, “There are little stuff throughout the game that we have to get better at. Poor performance by me on both sides of the ball. I let my guys down.”
As the Celtics aim to turn the tide in their favor and the Grizzlies seek to bounce back from their own struggles, this matchup promises to be an engaging battle on the hardwood.
