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Garnett, Celtics go for eighth straight win

Jan 4, 2008 - 1:51 PM Memphis (9-22) at Boston (27-3), 7:30 pm EST

BOSTON (Ticker) - A year ago, Friday's matchup would have pitted the worst team in each conference against each other. A lot has changed.

The Boston Celtics carry the best record in the NBA into Friday's game against the struggling Memphis Grizzlies.

The Celtics finished 24-58 last season, but after reshaping their roster and trading for superstars Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, they have become the class of the NBA thus far.

Garnett sparked a spirited fourth-quarter rally against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, scoring 11 of his game-high 26 points in the final seven minutes to secure the win. Allen grabbed a pair of huge offensive rebounds down the stretch and captain Paul Pierce scored 19.

The Grizzlies, who finished behind the Celtics with a 22-60 mark last season, have not been as quick to turn the franchise around. Memphis snapped a five-game losing streak with a 90-72 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, but has not topped 98 points in its last seven games.

Pau Gasol scored 30 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in Wednesday's win, but is averaging 17.9 points and 8.1 rebounds for the season - his lowest totals in three years.