The Boston Celtics (46-23) and Memphis Grizzlies (24-44) will square off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET from FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. The game will broadcast live on NBCS-BOS.
The Celtics are 15.5-point favorites over the Grizzlies on the spread (Celtics -15.5), with the over/under set at 227.5 total points. Boston is a -1400 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Memphis is +775 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Celtics vs. Grizzlies predictions and NBA picks for Friday, March 20.
Celtics vs Grizzlies Prediction, Pick
- Celtics vs Grizzlies pick: Over 227.5 (-115)
My Grizzlies vs. Celtics best bet is on the game to go Over 227.5 total points. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Celtics vs Grizzlies Odds
| Celtics Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-15.5 -110 | 227.5 -115o / -105u | -1400 |
| Grizzlies Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+15.5 -110 | 227.5 -115o / -106u | +775 |
Celtics vs Grizzlies NBA Preview
The Celtics don’t care if you are tanking or not. They show up every night and try to run you over like a freight train — and with the playoffs quickly approaching, they are clearly trying to settle into a rhythm.
If you look at the last 10 games, the Grizzlies been one of the worst defensive teams in the league — sitting around 28th or 29th in defensive rating.
However, the Grizzlies are more middle of the pack on offense. Guys like GG Jackson and Ty Jerome can still score and create their own shot at that end of the floor.
The Grizzlies' defensive numbers are absolutely wild, though — and not in a good way.
The Grizzlies gave up 126 points to the Nets, which is honestly hard to do, and then 139 to Philadelphia, 120 to Dallas, 126 to Detroit, and 122 to Portland. They are consistently giving up big numbers to just about everyone.
Celtics vs Grizzlies Predictions, Betting Analysis
If you don’t want to play the full game total, I wouldn’t hate looking at Boston’s team total, which should land somewhere around 121.5 — and that’s a solid option if you just want to back the Celtics’ offense in this spot.
That said, I think there’s real value on the full-game Over. Boston usually plays slow, but this sets up as a more open game because of Memphis’ pace and lack of defense.
I expect Boston to put up a big number, and Memphis to contribute enough offensively to help push this Over the number.
This feels like a classic 128-115 type of game. The Grizzlies aren’t stopping anyone — and honestly, they aren't really trying to, but they will still push the tempo and create offense.
I know 227.5 is a big number, especially with Boston involved — but the fact that the game is in Memphis also gives it a slight edge toward a more up-and-down style affair. Give me the Over.
Pick: Over 227.5 (-115)
