With the shock firing of Taylor Jenkins and a real threat of sliding into the Play-In, the panic level is rising for the Memphis Grizzlies — and tonight’s matchup against the red-hot Boston Celtics comes at the worst possible time.
Boston’s ruthless road form is a reminder of what it’ll take to dethrone the defending champs in the postseason, and my Celtics vs Grizzlies predictions expect the visitors to add to the tension in Memphis with another dialed-in performance.
Check out my NBA picks and betting tips for this must-see March 31 showdown.
Celtics vs Grizzlies prediction
My best bet: Celtics first half -3 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
The Boston Celtics have every reason to believe they can beat anyone, anywhere. With a 31-7 road record — including a seven-game win streak away from TD Garden — the C's seem to thrive on the challenge of silencing opposing crowds, and they won’t be fazed by what awaits them at FedExForum.
It’s been a turbulent few days for the Memphis Grizzlies, who enter tonight just 1.5 games above the Play-In line, and I’m picking Boston to impose its will early on the way to cashing the first-half spread.
Almost all the numbers point to the Celtics, who’ve won nine of their last 10 games. They’ve taken care of business clinically on their current road trip, winning all five contests by 10+ points, and the visitors are 5-1 in their past six matchups against the Grizzlies.
Joe Mazzulla’s men aren’t prone to slow starts either. Boston has hit the 1H moneyline in 18 of its last 22 outings, and that’s in stark contrast to a Memphis team that’s only nailed the 1H moneyline in 10 of its past 40 games.
Though Jaylen Brown is listed as questionable with a knee issue, Jayson Tatum can carry the load offensively, while Jrue Holiday and Derrick White are the ideal wing stoppers to slow down Ja Morant. Plus, the visitors rarely lose the math game from beyond the arc.
The Grizz slipped into an early double-digit hole against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday in Tuomas Iisalo’s first game as interim head coach. I’m banking on the Celtics making a similar early splash tonight.
Celtics vs Grizzlies same-game parlay
Celtics first half -3
Kristaps Porzingis Over 6.5 rebounds
Desmond Bane Over 1.5 threes
After averaging 5.9 rebounds per game across eight outings in February, Kristaps Porzingis has found a new gear this month, pushing that number to 8.2. He’s grabbed 47 boards over his last five contests, and I love the Over on a 6.5 O/U line here.
Porzingis’ size will be key for the visitors to combat the length of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey, and there should be some extra defensive possessions for Boston this evening, given the up-tempo Grizzlies lead the league with 93.4 field goal attempts per game.
While I trust the Celtics to get stops when they need them and walk away with another W, I’m pumping up the SGP odds with a wager on Desmond Bane to knock down at least two triples.
He’s shooting 43% from downtown in March and finished with at least two 3-pointers in eight of his last nine outings. Bane also hit a pair of 3-pointers in Memphis’ 127-121 victory at TD Garden back in December.
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Celtics vs Grizzlies odds
Celtics vs Grizzlies live odds
Celtics vs Grizzlies opening odds
- Spread: Boston -4.5 | Memphis +4.5
- Moneyline: Boston -185 | Memphis +155
- Over/Under: Over 234.5 | Under 234.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Celtics vs Grizzlies spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Celtics are worthy favorites here with a 40-9 mark in their last 49 road games.
- The Grizzlies are 25-12 at FedExForum this season, but they’ve lost five of their last six contests overall.
- Memphis has hit the team total Over in 50 of its last 82 outings.
- The Under is 39-34-1 this year for the Celtics, but they rank in the Top 10 in points per game and lead the NBA in 3-pointers made and attempted.
Celtics vs Grizzlies trend
The Over is 42-30-2 for Memphis this year. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Grizzlies.
How to watch Celtics vs Grizzlies
| Location | FedExForum, Memphis, TN |
| Date | Monday, 3-31-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT |
Celtics vs Grizzlies latest injuries
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