NBA 2K21 simulation for the Memphis Grizzlies vs. Boston Celtics

The Memphis Grizzlies take on the Boston Celtics tonight in a battle of bubble teams. Memphis and Boston are both in similar situations, yet hold very different expectations.

The Celtics have been consistently one of the top teams in the NBA over the past few seasons and have had championship expectations. The Grizzlies have quite different expectations and backgrounds, as they have been under a rebuild and are trying to become that consistent playoff team.

For the Grizzlies, they have just come off of a doubleheader against the Golden State Warriors, in which they split with the Dubs. This was a big series for the Grizzlies and they couldn’t seem to take advantage of the absence of superstar point guard, Stephen Curry.

The Celtics are coming off of a win against the Orlando Magic last night and look to build momentum themselves. One very important factor for how this game will transpire is that the Celtics will be missing starting point guard, Kemba Walker.

In a battle of two bubble teams, how does NBA 2K21 see the Memphis Grizzlies vs. Boston Celtics game ending?

The first quarter ended very close as the Celtics finished leading 31-29 after the first 12 minutes of play. The Grizzlies led in almost all offensive categories including field goals, assists, fast break points, points in the paint, second-chance points, and bench points. However, the Celtics made five more free throws than the Grizzlies, giving them the edge heading into the second quarter.

After the second quarter, the Celtics remained ahead by two, leading at the half 58-56. The Grizzlies once again lead in almost every category in the second quarter, but, the Celtics made two more three-pointers than the Grizz, keeping them in front. At this point, almost all of the scoring load for Boston had been carried by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, both scoring 17 points at the half. The Grizzlies had four players with at least eight points.

In the third quarter, the Grizzlies took it to the Celtics in the paint and took the lead 90-88 heading into the final 12 minutes of play. Memphis took advantage of the Celtics’ poor paint defense and outscored Boston in the paint 14-2 in the third. The Celtics did manage to keep it close with the help of six three-pointers as well.

The Grizzlies ran away with the game in the fourth quarter, getting the win at home, 124-109. The Celtics shot an abysmal 33% from the field and the Grizzlies took advantage of their offensive struggles. The Grizz led in almost every category except three-pointers, free throws, and steals. Ja Morant and Jonas Valanciunas were the main contributors to the Grizzlies’ big win against the Celtics.

Here are some of the key statlines from the simulation:

Memphis Grizzlies (124 points, 57 rebounds, 29 assists, 8 steals, 5 blocks, 51% FG, 27% 3PT, 79% FT)

Starters

PG: Ja Morant (30 minutes) – 24 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 11/19 FG, 1/8 3PT, 1/1 FT

SG: Grayson Allen (27 minutes) – 12 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 4/8 FG, 4/8 3PT

SF: Dillon Brooks (29 minutes) – 14 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 5/15 FG, 2/8 3PT, 2/2 FT

PF: Kyle Anderson (31 minutes) – 9 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, 4/7 FG, 1/1 FT

C: Jonas Valanciunas (33 minutes) – 22 points, 20 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 9/18 FG, 4/6 FT

Key Bench Performers

Justise Winslow (19 minutes) – 13 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 6/12 FG, 0/2 3PT,1/2 FT

Brandon Clarke (23 minutes) – 10 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 4/5 FG, 2/2 FT

Xavier Tillman Sr. (9 minutes) – 8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 4/5 FG

Boston Celtics (109 points, 38 rebounds, 20 assists, 11 steals, 3 blocks, 45% FG, 38% 3PT, 75% FT)

Starters

PG: Jeff Teague (31 minutes) – 2 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists, 1 steal, 0/8 FG, 0/1 3PT, 2/2 FT

SG: Marcus Smart (31 minutes) – 11 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists, 2 steals, 3/8 FG, 1/4 3PT, 4/4 FT

SF: Jaylen Brown (32 minutes) – 32 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 11/19 FG, 4/11 3PT, 6/6 FT

PF: Jayson Tatum (34 minutes) – 32 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 13/21 FG, 6/9 3PT

C: Daniel Theis (29 minutes) – 2 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks, 1/2 FG, 0/1 3PT, 0/2 FT

Key Bench Performers

Semi Ojeleye (17 minutes) – 13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, 5/10 FG, 3/8 3PT, 0/2 FT

Aaron Nesmith (16 minutes) – 8 points, 2 rebounds, 3/4 FG, 2/3 3PT

NBA 2K21 simulation prediction record before game vs. BOS: 0-2