NBA League Pass Featured Game: Grizzlies vs. Celtics (8 ET)

Before tuning in to watch the Eastern Conference two-seed take on the Western Conference four-seed at 8 PM on NBA League Pass, here are five important things to keep in mind.

1. Boston’s supremacy continues.

The Celtics ran away with a championship last season and look just as scary this year. The defending champs have only lost four games through the opening two months, posting an 19-4 record. They’re also just one of five teams ranked in the top 10 of offensive and defensive efficiency. 

2. Memphis is enjoying a bounce-back season.

The Grizzlies had a nightmarish 2023-24 season due to injuries, but they look revived this year. Memphis comes into this matchup winners of seven of their last eight outings and fourth in the Western Conference standings. 

3. Elite offenses on display.

We should see a high-scoring matchup between two of the best offenses in the NBA. The Celtics rank first or second in 3-pointers made and offensive efficiency. The Grizzlies are right there with them, ranking fourth in points scored and fifth in offensive efficiency. 

4. These are two of the deepest teams in the NBA.

While the NBA is a superstar league, these teams have been dominant because of their depth. The Grizzlies don’t have a single player averaging 30 minutes a game and their bench ranks second in the NBA with nearly 50 points per game. Boston is full of stars, but Payton Pritchard is one of the frontrunners for Kia Sixth Man of the Year. The bench guard is averaging 16.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.1 steals, not to mention Al Horford is a solid bench pairing next to him behind Kristaps Porzingis. 

5. Celtics dominance over the Grizzlies.

These teams only play twice a year, but Boston has dominated Memphis. They swept last year’s two-game season series and have dominated the matchup, winning six straight over the past three years. Since 2016, they’ve claimed victory in 16 of their last 17 games against the Grizzlies, with Memphis’ only win coming in an overtime thriller in 2021.

NOTE: Boston is playing the second half of a back-to-back set. They’ve rested at least one starter in every back-to-back this season.