Grizzlies vs. Celtics

Tonight’s match up against the Boston Celtics tips in Boston at 6:30. Tonight will be the first time Jeff Green returns to play against his former team since being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. It’s not the first time the Grizzlies have added to the team from the Boston roster. First was the addition of the Grindfather, then came Courtney Lee, and now Jeff Green.

I’m looking to Jeff Green to set it off against his former team. We should have good working knowledge of the Celtics, and Green should be able to penetrate the paint aggressively. He’s been playing well, and with a free throw average sitting at 85%, taking it to the glass is beneficial in the plus one department. He’s been moved in the line-up behind Zach Randolph, and you’ll see Randolph pull out of the paint to open the lane for Green.

I’m hoping that tonight is a night that sees Mike Conley get some well deserved rest. While Mike’s ankles have finally healed, the wrist is still aggravated after taking a hit again in the win against the Bulls. Beno Udrih, and Nick Calathes are more than capable of stepping up to the plate. In the event that Mike sits chained to the bench, Usrih will likely get the start, and Calathes will provide energy with the second unit.

Courtney Lee is still deferring the three in favor of the hesitation jump shot. But, Lee tends to play better on the road. Here’s to hoping that being back in Boston jumpstarts his rhythm.

Tony Allen has been under control as of late, and had a beautiful slam off a behind the back from Mike Conley in the last minutes against the Bulls. When Tony is under control defensively, he is lethal, no matter what Kevin Durant says. And Tony has been working at his offensive game since missing lay-ups in repeat performances. It shows his grit and grind mentality.

All in all, this is a game the Grizz should win effortlessly. The Celtics are severely depleted with the loss of Jeff Green, and the departure of Kevin Garnett. However, Isiah Thomas can ball. We’ve lost games that should have been easy. Time to grind it out.