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The Memphis Grizzlies had such a bright start to the 2009 season but they have been skating downhill ever since. They were five games over .500 on February 1st and were competing for a playoff spot in the Western Conference playoff race.

But they have been subpar since, winning just seven of their last 17 games and falling far behind in the playoff race.

The biggest culprit has been their young team and their draft class. The Grizzlies have never been this competitive this far into a season and while they were very fresh to start the year, they clearly lacked the depth to maintain it.

And when their front line players hit the wall, their depth was nowhere to be found.

Most of that depth is supposed to be comprised of their draft class but that group of players has been a big bust. No. 2 overall pick, Hasheem Thabeet, hasn’t been much of a contributor at all. As a matter of fact, he was sent down to the Developmental League because he was just taking up space on the Grizzlies bench.

Meanwhile, Sam Young and DeMarre Carroll have played like second-round picks: inconsistent.

On Wednesday, they’ll be in tough in Boston against the Celtics.

Memphis Grizzlies @ Boston Celtics
Sportsbook Odds: Celtics -8

The main focus when it comes to basketball this week is the college hard courts as the March Madness betting season is upon us.

But the focus in Boston will be the Celtics as the tricky Grizzlies visit.

The Grizzlies have the injury bug and that could be a problem for them. They will be going up against a tough frontcourt that includes Kevin Garnett, Kendrick Perkins, Rasheed Wallace and Glen Davis, and they may be without their All-Star, Zach Randolph.

Randolph is day-to-day with a back injury and the Grizz may be without another key member, Ronnie Brewer, as he is out nursing a hamstring injury.

The Celtics have some chemistry issues that they are dealing with and clearly, they are no longer a championship contender, but they are still a very good team. The Celtics play solid defense – something that the Grizzlies struggle to do – and that is going to be an issue.

Look for the Celtics to put the clamps down on the shorthanded Grizzlies and get a good win at home on Wednesday.

Betting Tips: Celtics -8

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