Betsided

Celtics vs. Grizzlies Prediction and Odds (Boston Has Seeding Preference on the Line)

By Peter Dewey

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum. / Maddie Meyer/GettyImages
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The Boston Celtics’ seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs is far from decided heading into their final game of the regular season against the Memphis Grizzlies. 

Memphis, on the other hand, is locked into the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference, and it may end up resting more players in this matchup than you’d expect. 

For Boston, a win and a Milwaukee Bucks loss would move the Celtics into the No. 2 seed, while a loss and a Philadelphia 76ers win could move Boston down to the No. 4 seed. 

The Celtics will know the result of the Bucks’ game before they tip off, but this is a tough spot to be in. Milwaukee is sitting just about everyone, presumably dodging the Brooklyn Nets in round one. 

Boston could be forced with that task if it gets the No. 2 seed, but it doesn’t want to go to four where it will play the No. 5 seeded Toronto Raptors. There have been rumors that a key player or two (potentially Jaylen Brown) on the Celtics are unvaccinated and wouldn’t be able to play in games in Toronto. 

That’s a lot to unpack. 

As for this game, let’s check out the odds via WynnBET: 

Celtics vs. Grizzlies Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • Celtics -5.5 (-110)
  • Grizzlies +5.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Celtics: -220
  • Grizzlies: +180

Total: 

  • 228.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Celtics vs. Grizzlies Prediction and Pick

Depending on the result of the Bucks game, the Celtics may actively try and lose if they would rather play in Toronto than face the Nets in round one. 

Can you blame them?

 While Memphis has nothing to play for, this Grizzlies team has been the best team against the spread for a good chunk of the season and has been elite when Ja Morant is out of the lineup. 

I trust Memphis’ bench to battle and keep this a game regardless, and I could see this line moving if the Grizzlies rule out Morant, Desmond Bane or others. 

I’d wait to bet this game until we get full injury reports, but I’d back the Grizzlies either way, because Boston may not want to win as it is. 

Lean: Grizzlies +5.5 (-108) – wait for injury report

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record in the NBA this season here.

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