Battered and bruised, the Celtics have covered just once in their last seven games. Make your play in the Memphis Grizzlies Friday night when they travel to Boston.
It doesn't matter what team Boston is playing now, even one as bad as Memphis. The Celtics are in no condition to cover a big spread, especially one as high as double-digits.
The Celtics are 3-4 in their last seven games, 1-6 against the spread. They are not the same club without Kevin Garnett. And they're nothing resembling an elite club minus five of their eight main rotation players as point guard Rajon Rondo remains out along with reserves Glen Davis, Brian Scalabrine and Tony Allen.
This cluster injury problem means extended minutes for newcomers Stephon Marbury, Mikki Moore and even rookie Bill Walker. Marbury and Moore, two well-traveled veterans, have not looked good. Marbury is extremely rusty. He's missed 18 of 21 shots from the floor during the last five games.
The Celtics are merely trying to survive as they wait to get back to full strength while going through growing pains with their newcomers. They are in no condition to cover big spreads.
Memphis traditionally has had good success against Boston, going 12-3-1 against the number in the past 16 meetings. The Grizzlies struggle to score points, but usually can be counted on for an effort because Lionel Hollins is trying hard to show he should be the team's coach again next season.
I expect Memphis to be fired-up after an embarrassing 25-point loss on Wednesday to the lowly Timberwolves. Marc Gasol quietly is putting together an excellent rookie season for Memphis.
Boston and Memphis meet again in eight days, so don't expect the Celtics to do anything to embarrass the Grizzlies. They couldn't even if they wanted to because of their injury situation.
Free Pick: Grizzlies +11½ (-110)
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