Grizzlies plus 12 at Celtics
The Celtics have looked good coming out of All-Star break posting road victories against the Pistons and Knicks. Now Boston returns home in a flat spot and with its defense not fixed. The Celtics are giving up an average of 115.4 points in their last four games.
Boston hosts the struggling Grizzlies, losers of nine in a row. The Celtics have bigger games on deck. They host the suddenly hot Hornets, winners of four in a row, and are on national television against the Rockets on the road Saturday.
Astute Celtics coach Brad Stevens has his eye on those more challenging matchups. Boston’s purpose here is hold off a desperate Grizzlies squad that gets their best player, Marc Gasol, back not cover a large margin.
The Grizzlies played poorly in a 115-89 road loss to the Heat this past Saturday. Gasol was rested for that game. He’ll return for this game. Tyreke Evans and Chandler Parsons also missed the Heat game. Both are questionable here. I like the Grizzlies to stay within single digits regardless of the status of Evans and Parsons.
The Celtics are 3-9-1 ATS the past 13 times hosting opponents with a losing road mark. Boston has failed to cover the past three times, too, at home when laying points. The Celtics are not in top form. Memphis isn’t in total tank mode. The Grizzlies have a top-five defense and should play hard here.
(Editor’s note: Stephen Nover is one of the top NBA ‘cappers in the country with the record to back it up. Stephen is 35-17 on his last 52 premium/free NBA plays, including 18-7 on his last 25 for 72 percent. If you’re interested in Stephen’s sports service please contact him via his email.)
