Super Bowl Sunday is upon us, but for those in need of a warm up act, the Boston Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies meet in what should be a tough contest at noon EDT at TD Garden in Boston, MA (TV/Radio: NBATV, CSNNE/WEEI).
Boston and Memphis are two teams struggling to find a groove this season. Both have had sizable winning streaks, only to be broken up by lengthy losing streaks. The Celtics have now won three games in a row and eight out of ten. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies have dropped five of their previous seven tilts.
This is the only meeting of the season between the Celtics and Grizzlies. Both teams met twice one season ago, with each winning once. In the season series opener, Pierce scored 28 to lead Boston to a 116-110 win in overtime. But in the season series finale, Memphis prevailed by three, 90-87, behind despite a 22-point performance from Pierce.
The Celtics are coming off a thrilling 91-89 win against the New York Knicks on Friday evening. Pierce scored a game-high 30 points and made several clutch baskets in the fourth quarter, including a three that was later called off (but replays showed it was good), and Ray Allen chipped in with 14 points. Kevin Garnett had 15 points and eight rebounds.
Memphis lost its last game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, 101-94, on Friday. Marc Gasol led the way with 24 points, eight boards and two blocks for the Grizzlies, who shot 42.5 percent from the field. Rudy Gay added 23 points and former Celtics reserve Tony Allen added 17 points and six boards. O.J. Mayo scored 13 coming off the bench.
For more Celtics and Grizzlies coverage, visit CelticsBlog and Straight Outta Vancouver.