Boston Celtics Shake Up Starting Lineup Ahead of Grizzlies Matchup

The Boston Celtics have made a significant adjustment to their starting lineup ahead of their matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. According to the Boston Herald, head coach Joe Mazzulla has promoted Jordan Walsh to the starting five for the first time this season, following an impressive performance during the team's recent road trip.

Mazzulla praised Walsh for his defensive execution and energy, noting, "He’s made some shots, but he’s also played well offensively from a spacing standpoint." Walsh, who has had a rocky start to his career, was previously not a regular in Mazzulla's rotation, appearing as a DNP-CD in several games.

However, his recent contributions have seen him play at least 18 minutes in each of the last four games, with the Celtics outscoring opponents by 51 points during his time on the court. Walsh himself mentioned feeling like he's "fighting for his basketball life," and his performance has reflected that urgency, particularly with critical plays in recent games.

For instance, he made pivotal shots late in the game against the Orlando Magic and effectively defended Philadelphia's Tyrese Maxey in another close contest. Walsh's promotion comes at the expense of Josh Minott, who had started the previous nine games but struggled in his last appearance, recording a minus-10 in just eight minutes against the 76ers.

The decision to elevate Walsh underscores the Celtics' depth and their adaptability as they look to maintain their strong performance in the league. The Celtics faced the Grizzlies at TD Garden, where they demonstrated their offensive prowess.

As noted by Deadspin, Payton Pritchard led the scoring with 24 points, helping the Celtics claim a decisive 131-95 victory. Boston showcased their three-point shooting, with ten players hitting from beyond the arc, and they maintained a commanding lead throughout the game.

The Celtics' collective effort resulted in a comfortable win, further solidifying their position in the league. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, struggled without star player Ja Morant, who missed the game due to right ankle soreness, and they fell to a disappointing 1-4 on the road.

Overall, the Celtics' adjustment to the lineup and their subsequent performance against Memphis illustrates their strategic depth as they navigate the early part of the season.