Celtics lose to Memphis 110-106, losing streak is now at four

An undermanned Celtics squad gave a valiant effort, but lost 110-106 to Memphis and are now on a four-game losing streak.

Boston (36-33) was without Kevin Garnett and Courtney Lee due to foot and ankle injuries. Garnett will get an MRI on his foot tomorrow and Lee is considered day to day with an ankle sprain. With Rajon Rondo and Jared Sullinger already out for the year, beating a very good Grizzles team would have been the definition of difficult.

The Grizzles (47-22) led by as much as 21, but the Celtics crawled back to within a bucket of tying and made Memphis have to shoot free throws to win it. Amazingly, Boston was only outrebounded 44-37, but Marc Gasol sitting out with an abdominal tear probably didn't hurt on the boards.

Paul Pierce picked up the slack of scoring 26 points with six rebounds and four assists. Jordan Crawford had 21 points in 27 minutes off the bench with an increased role due to Lee sitting out.

For Memphis, Jerryd Bayless had 30 off the bench, Zach Randolph had 15 points and 11 rebounds, Mike Conley had 12 points and 10 assists and Tony Allen had 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The Celtics face the Knicks at home Tuesday.

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