Preview: Celtics at The Griz - The Kelly O show


Tonight The Celtics suit up at FedExForum taking on The Memphis Grizzlies trying to avoid the franchise's first 0-4 start since 1969.

The good news for Celtic fans is Memphis has been reeling so far this year as well:
The Grizzlies, who advanced to the Western Conference finals a season ago, have carried around a style and reputation as subtle as an anvil in their climb up the ranks of legitimate contenders. Yet the early returns have shown that anvil dropping onto their toes.

Were it not for a couple of timely jumpers by Tayshaun Prince in overtime on Friday that finally put down the Pistons, Memphis would be looking at an 0-3 start that might have some reaching for the panic button. As it is, it might not hurt to at least get a finger loosened up.

After an uninspiring 111-99 loss at Dallas Saturday, the Grizzlies have surrendered more than 100 points three times in three games. While on their way to winning a franchise record 56 times last season, the Grizzlies and their No. 2-rated defense allowed opponents to hit the century mark just 10 times in 82 tries.

The bad news for The Celts is they're playing on the road and Memphis hasn't played since Friday while The C's are coming off a tough grind it out loss last night in Detroit. Hence, do not expect Boston to get their first win tonight.

Speaking of last night, Kelly Olynyk had a breakout game with 15 points and 8 rebounds. Unfortunately, he also had three turnovers in just under 26 minutes.

So, hopefully, he can continue that positive momentum into tonight.

Avery Bradley also began to find his footing at The Palace of Auburn Hills with 13 points and an impressive 8 rebounds.

An interesting subplot for tonight's game will be how Jeff Green responds after not seeing the floor the entire fourth quarter of last night's loss.

Green started out the season with a bang in Toronto with 25 points and 5 boards.

However he struggled a couple of nights later in Boston against Milwaukee on 4-13 shooting but at least he had 9 rebounds.

Then, last night, his box score demonstrated just a complete lack of effort with 7 points and a piddly 2 rebounds and 2 assists.

Green needs to decide if he wants to be a star on this team and in this league or just an ancillary highlight reel not unlike the Towelie character from Comedy Central's animated TV show South Park (flashes of brilliance but then disappears for long periods of time).

Will Green step up? It's anyone's guess. But if he wants to turn it around, it needs to start tonight.

Follow Clint on Twitter @coolhandc