Pro Basketball Picks: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Boston Celtics

Memphis Grizzlies at Boston Celtics
Wednesday, 1/2/13, 7:30 PM EST, TV: NBATV
Opening Point Spread: Memphis -2.5
Current Betting Line: Memphis -2.5
Opening Total: 180
Current Total: 180
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

Celtics Knicks NBA Game Preview — The Boston Celtics haven’t been playing very good basketball recently

Memphis has dropped three of its last four games, as it looks to bounce back from an 88-83 setback to the Indiana Pacers as 1.5-point road favorites Monday, while going UNDER the total in consecutive contests. “We made a lot of bad turnovers and didn’t continue to play our transition game,” stated Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley. The Grizzlies are 6-6 on the road this season, including a 2-1 mark versus Eastern Conference opponents. Memphis is 15-12 ATS off an upset loss as a favorite over the last two-plus seasons, something to consider when making your NBA picks against the spread Wednesday.

The Grizzlies have started the season 19-9, which is their best start in franchise history, while playing the league’s sixth most difficult schedule. Memphis ranks first in the NBA in allowing 90.0 points per game. Reaching the century mark is key for this team, as it has won all nine games when doing so this year, but it hasn’t scored 100 or more points since Dec. 4.

Boston returns home after dropping three of four games on the road, including a 118-96 victory over the Sacramento Kings as 2.5-point favorites, while going OVER the total for the first time in four contests. “You have to play hard to win an NBA game,” stated Celtics head coach Doc Rivers. “It’s difficult and we’re not doing it.” The Celtics have four probable starters averaging in double figures, with forward Paul Pierce leading the way in scoring 19.9 points per game. Boston is 0-4 ATS when playing on two days rest this season, which is important to consider when looking over the pro basketball betting odds.

The Celtics have compiled a 9-5 record at the TD Garden during the 2012-13 campaign, which includes a 5-1 mark versus Western Conference foes. Boston notched a 98-80 victory over Memphis as four-point home favorites in the only meeting between these teams last year, which climbed above the posted total of 176. Forward Kevin Garnett scored 24 points and grabbed nine rebounds, with Pierce contribution 21 points.