The Celtics will aim to extend their winning streak against the Memphis Grizzlies to seven games when the two teams meet in Boston on Saturday.
Boston has won 16 of their last 17 matchups with Memphis, including the last 10 games in Boston.
“This game is a good barometer,” Memphis guard Desmond Bane said. “It’ll give us a good opportunity to see where we’re at.”
Marcus Smart spent his first nine years with the Celtics before being traded to Memphis in a three-team deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis to Boston. Smart is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game due to an ankle injury. He was unable to play when the Grizzlies visited Boston last season due to a hand injury.
Smart scored 18 points in Memphis’ 115-110 win over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, marking his fourth double-digit performance in his last five games. After the game, he expressed confidence about playing against Boston.
“I’m ready,” Smart said. “I spent a lot of years in TD Garden. So, to come back and actually be on the other side of that bench, it’s definitely going to be a lot of emotions for me. But it’s a game, and I’m going to go out and do everything I can to help my team win.
“I’m sure they see how good I’ve been playing, and they’re going to try to make sure I don’t come in there and have a great game. It’s a big test for us.”
Boston extended its home winning streak to seven games with a 111-105 victory over Milwaukee on Friday.
Kristaps Porzingis did not play in that game due to injury management but is expected to be in the lineup against Memphis.
Al Horford played for the Celtics on Friday but usually does not play in both games when the team has back-to-back nights.
The Celtics won despite missing 36 of their 53 3-point attempts. They finished the game on a 16-6 run, with Jrue Holiday scoring six of his 20 points in the final six minutes.
“We’ve been through it (poor shooting),” Holiday said. “I think we rely on our defense a lot. Being able to go on the court and know that our defense can save us at any time or keep it close … I think our defense held it down for us today.”
“I appreciate (the Bucks) pushing us. That’s what makes the game fun. I think that’s what battle-tests us for the future. … We want to win the game no matter what it takes, especially being at home in Boston. So took this game for what it is and move on to the next one tomorrow.”
Jayson Tatum had 34 points and 10 rebounds in the win. Milwaukee was 1 of 13 from the field in the final six minutes.
“Our defense was tremendous,” Boston coach Joe Mazzulla said. “I thought our defense kept us in it, and I thought we continued to fight for great looks.”
