Memphis Grizzlies @ Boston Celtics - December 7, 2024

As the Boston Celtics prepare to host the Memphis Grizzlies at TD Garden, fans can expect an intriguing matchup that pits two high-scoring teams against each other. The oddsmakers have set the Celtics as -8.5-point favorites, with a total of 232 points for the game.

Looking at recent performances, Boston is riding a three-game winning streak and boasts a solid 19-4 record overall, although they have struggled to cover spreads lately, going just 1-4 against the spread (ATS) in their last five games. Their offensive stats are impressive, averaging 120.5 points per game on a shooting percentage of approximately 46.1%. They also excel from beyond the arc with a three-point shooting percentage of around 37.7% and maintain a respectable free throw percentage of about 80.8%. However, they’ve shown some vulnerability in terms of turnovers, averaging nearly 12 per game.

On the other side of the court, Memphis comes into this game with a strong record of 15-8 and has been particularly good at covering spreads lately—12-3 ATS over their last 15 games. They recently secured a win against Sacramento with a score of 115-110 while covering as -3-point favorites. The Grizzlies boast slightly better offensive stats than Boston, scoring an average of approximately 121.4 points per game on an impressive field goal percentage of about 48.9%. They’re also effective in generating assists with an average of around 30.5 per game.

Defensively, both teams exhibit strengths and weaknesses that could impact this matchup significantly. The Celtics average around 43.9 rebounds per game but struggle somewhat with fouls and turnovers—committing about 16.7 fouls and losing roughly twelve turnovers each outing. In contrast, Memphis excels on the boards with approximately 47.5 rebounds per game but struggles more defensively by committing around 21 fouls and losing almost seventeen turnovers.

Given these trends and statistics, I predict that Boston will emerge victorious tonight while successfully covering the spread due to their home-court advantage and superior recent form despite their ATS struggles at home this season (2-8 ATS in their last ten). Additionally, considering both teams’ tendency to go under in recent games—the Celtics hitting under in four out of their last six contests—the total for this matchup is likely to fall below expectations.

In summary: I anticipate that the Celtics will defeat the Grizzlies tonight while comfortably covering the -8 point spread; however, keep your eye on those defensive lapses because if Memphis pulls off an upset—which would mean they cover—they might surprise everyone by keeping it close enough to challenge for victory outright!