Celtics Edge Grizzlies in Tight Encounter
Friday, March 20, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · FedExForum
Boston Celtics 117, Memphis Grizzlies 112, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.
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Quick answers
Who won Boston Celtics vs Memphis Grizzlies?
Boston Celtics beat Memphis Grizzlies 117-112 at FedExForum on March 20, 2026.
Who was favored in Boston Celtics vs Memphis Grizzlies?
Boston Celtics were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -1350 (about 93% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Boston Celtics triumphed over the Memphis Grizzlies with a final score of 117 to 112 at the FedExForum. This victory marked the Celtics' third consecutive win and solidified their dominance over the Grizzlies, having won all three meetings this season, including two earlier encounters where they outscored Memphis by significant margins.
The Celtics entered this game with a strong away record of 47-23, showcasing their ability to perform on the road. They have been in solid form, winning seven of their last ten games, with an average of 110.9 points scored and only 103.5 points allowed during this stretch. In contrast, the Grizzlies struggled with a home record of 24-45, and their recent performance reflected this, as they managed only two wins in their last ten games, averaging 116.7 points scored but allowing a concerning 122.9 points per game.
In their last five games, the Grizzlies had a record of 1-4, with their only victory coming against the Denver Nuggets on March 19, where they won 125-118. However, the rest of their recent outings were marked by losses, including a significant defeat to the Chicago Bulls (107-132) and a narrow loss to the Dallas Mavericks (112-120). This inconsistency has plagued their season, leading to their current standing.
The Celtics, on the other hand, have been riding a wave of success, with their latest victory over the Golden State Warriors (120-99) showcasing their offensive capabilities. They have averaged 113.8 points in their last five games while limiting opponents to 108.0 points, highlighting their defensive prowess as well.
In terms of injuries, both teams faced challenges. The Grizzlies had several players listed as day-to-day, including Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe), Walter Clayton Jr. (knee), Karim Lopez (undisclosed), and Jaylen Wells (toe). Additionally, Richie Saunders was ruled out due to a knee injury. The Celtics also had Jayson Tatum listed as day-to-day with a knee issue, which could have impacted their performance.
Betting lines from DraftKings indicated the Celtics as heavy favorites with a spread of 15.5 points, reflecting their strong season and recent form. The total for the game was set at 230.5, with both the over and under priced at -110. The odds suggested a clear expectation of a high-scoring game, which ultimately played out as both teams combined for 229 points.
As the game unfolded, key moments included a series of scoring plays in the fourth quarter that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Luka Garza's tip shot extended the Celtics' lead, while free throws from Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Payton Pritchard added to the scoreboard. The Grizzlies fought back with a two-point shot from Walter Clayton Jr. but ultimately fell short.
The Celtics' ability to maintain their composure in the closing moments of the game proved decisive, as they successfully converted free throws to secure their victory. This match not only showcased the Celtics' strength but also highlighted the Grizzlies' ongoing struggles this season, particularly at home.
Overall, this matchup was significant as it underscored the Celtics' current form and their ability to dominate the series against the Grizzlies, while also reflecting the challenges Memphis faces as they navigate a difficult season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BOS -15.5 | 230.5 o -110 / u -110 | Boston Celtics -1350 · Memphis Grizzlies +800 |
Injury report
- Scotty Pippen Jr.Day-To-DayToeMemphis Grizzlies
- Walter Clayton Jr.Day-To-DayKneeMemphis Grizzlies
- Karim LopezDay-To-DayUndisclosedMemphis Grizzlies
- Richie SaundersOutKneeMemphis Grizzlies
- Jaylen WellsDay-To-DayToeMemphis Grizzlies
- Jayson TatumDay-To-DayKneeBoston Celtics
Leaders
- PointsTyler Burton23Memphis Grizzlies
- AssistsTy Jerome7Memphis Grizzlies
- ReboundsOlivier-Maxence Prosper7Memphis Grizzlies
- PointsJaylen Brown30Boston Celtics
- AssistsJaylen Brown6Boston Celtics
- ReboundsNeemias Queta11Boston Celtics
Recent form
Memphis Grizzlies
Last 10: 2-8Streak W1116.7 scored · 122.9 allowed per game1-3 at home
- W125-118vs Denver NuggetsMar 19
- L107-132at Chicago BullsMar 17
- L110-126at Detroit PistonsMar 13
- L112-120vs Dallas MavericksMar 13
- L129-139at Philadelphia 76ersMar 10
- L115-126at Brooklyn NetsMar 9
- L120-123vs LA ClippersMar 8
- L114-122vs Portland Trail BlazersMar 5
- L110-117at Minnesota TimberwolvesMar 4
- W125-106at Indiana PacersMar 1
Boston Celtics
Last 10: 7-3Streak W3110.9 scored · 103.5 allowed per game2-2 away
- W120-99vs Golden State WarriorsMar 18
- W120-112vs Phoenix SunsMar 16
- W111-100vs Washington WizardsMar 14
- L102-104at Oklahoma City ThunderMar 13
- L116-125at San Antonio SpursMar 11
- W109-98at Cleveland CavaliersMar 8
- W120-100vs Dallas MavericksMar 7
- L89-118vs Charlotte HornetsMar 5
- W108-81at Milwaukee BucksMar 3
- W114-98vs Philadelphia 76ersMar 2
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | - | 26 | W2 | .683 | 56 |
| New York | 3 | 29 | L1 | .646 | 53 |
| Toronto | 10 | 36 | W1 | .561 | 46 |
| Philadelphia | 11 | 37 | W2 | .549 | 45 |
| Brooklyn | 36 | 62 | L3 | .244 | 20 |
| San Antonio | - | 20 | L1 | .756 | 62 |
| Houston | 10 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| New Orleans | 36 | 56 | L2 | .317 | 26 |
| Dallas | 36 | 56 | W1 | .317 | 26 |
| Memphis | 37 | 57 | L8 | .305 | 25 |
Box score
| Stat | Boston Celtics | Memphis Grizzlies |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 40-89 | 42-90 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 11-42 | 14-43 |
| Three-point % | 26 | 33 |
| Free throws | 26-30 | 14-17 |
| Free throw % | 87 | 82 |
| Rebounds | 57 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 18 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 39 | 28 |
| Assists | 19 | 24 |
| Steals | 4 | 7 |
| Blocks | 2 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 23 | 8 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 15 |
| Points in the paint | 52 | 44 |
| Fouls | 20 | 23 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 12 | 12 |
| Time in front | 41 | 41 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter75-78Tyler Burton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter77-78Luka Garza makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter77-80DeJon Jarreau makes two point shot (Olivier-Maxence Prosper assists)
- 3rd Quarter77-81Tyler Burton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter77-82Tyler Burton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter78-82Payton Pritchard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter79-82Payton Pritchard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter79-85Javon Small makes 27-foot three pointer
- 3rd Quarter82-85Hugo Gonzalez makes 22-foot three point jumper (Jaylen Brown assists)
- 3rd Quarter82-88DeJon Jarreau makes 22-foot three point jumper (Javon Small assists)
- 3rd Quarter83-88Luka Garza makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter84-88Luka Garza makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-88Luka Garza makes 24-foot three point jumper (Derrick White assists)
- 4th Quarter87-90Ty Jerome makes 15-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter89-90Derrick White makes 11-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter89-93Ty Jerome makes 27-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter91-93Luka Garza makes layup (Derrick White assists)
- 4th Quarter91-96Ty Jerome makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter91-98Jaylen Wells makes 1-foot running dunk
- 4th Quarter93-98Derrick White makes driving layup (Luka Garza assists)
- 4th Quarter96-98Derrick White makes 25-foot three pointer (Payton Pritchard assists)
- 4th Quarter98-98Derrick White makes 1-foot two point shot (Hugo Gonzalez assists)
- 4th Quarter98-101Tyler Burton makes 27-foot three point jumper (DeJon Jarreau assists)
- 4th Quarter100-101Luka Garza makes 1-foot layup (Derrick White assists)
- 4th Quarter102-101Luka Garza makes dunk (Baylor Scheierman assists)
- 4th Quarter102-103DeJon Jarreau makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter104-103Jaylen Brown makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter106-103Derrick White makes running layup
- 4th Quarter108-103Jaylen Brown makes 12-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter110-103Jayson Tatum makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter112-103Baylor Scheierman makes layup (Jaylen Brown assists)
- 4th Quarter112-105Olivier-Maxence Prosper makes 1-foot dunk (Cam Spencer assists)
- 4th Quarter114-105Luka Garza makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter114-106Olivier-Maxence Prosper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter114-107Olivier-Maxence Prosper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter114-109Walter Clayton Jr. makes 1-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter115-109Jayson Tatum makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter116-109Payton Pritchard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter117-109Payton Pritchard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter117-112Javon Small makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
Win probability
Above the line favours Memphis Grizzlies, below favours Boston Celtics.
Venue
- FedExForumMemphis, TN
- Attendance17048
- OfficialsEd Malloy, Michael Smith, Andy Nagy
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