Important note because it’s not in the title: Celtics need a huge jump in point differential (and a Nets win) to make the IST bracket.

It’s largely cause the Ja←→Memphis mental connection is pretty strong. People don’t feel bad for Ja so they don’t feel bad for things that are closely related to Memphis (fans, long term players, FO). Marcus is still not really associated with Memphis in peoples heads so the vibes from Ja don’t get passed over to him.