Grizzlies at Celtics
THE STORY: The Boston Celtics have clawed their way back from an awful start to the season and finally have their star point guard healthy. Now they just need to figure out how to beat a team from the opposing conference. The Celtics will go for their fourth consecutive victory Sunday when they host the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday in a matinee game starting at noon. Boston has won seven of its last eight games to move two games above .500 for the first time this season. The Celtics' inability to win against Western Conference foes was a major factor in getting off to a 5-9 start. Boston has dropped all four games against the West, including a wretched effort in a 79-71 home loss to Phoenix on Jan. 20. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, may want to petition the league to switch conferences. Since absorbing a 40-point beating at Chicago on New Year's Day, Memphis has ripped off four straight wins against the East, each by a double-digit margin.
TV: Noon ET, CSNE, NBA TV
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (12-11): Memphis’ two-game winning streak was halted due to an inability to contain Oklahoma City superstar Kevin Durant in the final quarter. Ex-Celtic G Tony Allen, known primarily for his defense, is having one of his best seasons, averaging 10.9 points. He has picked up his offense in the past three games, averaging 17.3 points and 6.6 rebounds. C Marc Gasol scored a season-high 24 points Friday and is averaging a double-double with 15.1 points and 10.5 boards per game.
ABOUT THE CELTICS (12-10): Rondo finally made his return to the lineup after missing eight games with a sprained right wrist. He had seven points, seven assists and five rebounds. Just as Rondo came back, C Jermaine O’Neal went for an MRI exam on his knee and is considered a game-time decision for Sunday. O’Neal had just two points and four rebounds in 19 ½ minutes Friday. Boston’s starting five has played together a total of 99 minutes this season.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Paul Pierce needs 31 points to surpass Larry Bird (21,791) for No. 2 on the franchise career scoring list.
2. Memphis had been 9-0 when leading after three quarters prior to Friday’s loss to the Thunder.