Memphis Grizzlies vs Milwaukee Bucks: Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds (4/7/23)
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The Memphis Grizzlies visit the Milwaukee Bucks in a big cross conference matchup. The Grizzlies are coming off a close road loss against the Pelicans, while the Bucks are coming off an easy home win against the Bulls. My prediction is that the Grizzlies cover the 6-point spread against the Bucks. The Grizzlies are healthier than the Bucks who are dealing with injuries or resting different players. Let’s take a look at the odds and make some picks and predictions for this game!
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Milwaukee Bucks Prediction
The Pick: Memphis Grizzlies -6
The Grizzlies have dealt with some adversity this season, but they still have a lot of talent going into the playoffs.
Despite the issues that have plagued him, the Grizzlies still go as Ja Morant goes this season. He leads the team in scoring at 26 PPG, in assists at 8 per game, and in steals at 1 per game. Desmond Bane is up next in production and has been a very good sidekick to Morant this season. He averages 22 PPG and is one of the best three-point shooters on the team at 40.7%. Jaren Jackson Jr. has emerged this year as arguably the best defensive player in the entire league. He averages 18 PPG and leads the team in rebounds at 7 per game and in blocks at 3 per game. Dillon Brooks rounds out the production and is the lead player for the Grizzlies in annoying the other team. He averages 14 PPG too.
The Grizzlies are one of the most well-rounded teams in the NBA this season. They’re 14th in points allowed at 112.9 PPG, 2nd in defensive rating at 110.4, 2nd in rebounds at 46.7, and 2nd in blocks per game at 5.8 per game. They’re also 9th in scoring at 116.9 PPG and 5th in point differential at +3.9.
On the other side, Milwaukee has been great this season and isn’t playing many starters because of that.
The entire Milwaukee Bucks starting lineup will sit out this game, due to either rest or because of actual injury. Bobby Portis, Jevon Carter, Joe Ingles, and Jae Crowder will be the ones asked to step up the most with everyone sitting out. Portis averages 14 PPG and 10 rebounds per game. Carter averages 8 PPG and Ingles averages 7 PPG and leads the team in three-point shooting at 41.3%. Crowder averages 5 PPG and has been a key piece since he was traded there too.
The Bucks have been one of the best well-rounded teams this year. They’re 12th in points allowed at 112.9 PPG, first in rebounds at 48.9 per game, 11th in blocks at 5 per game, and 3rd in defensive rating at 110.7. They’re also 7th in scoring at 117.1 PPG and 4th in point differential at +4.2.
The Bucks are the better team, but they’re resting everyone for the playoffs. Look for Memphis to win and cover this game on the road and try and close the regular season out in a positive way.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Milwaukee Bucks Betting Odds
The Memphis Grizzlies are 6-point road favorites against the Milwaukee Bucks and are at -200 on the money line. There’s no over/under listed yet, but expect it to be lower than normal with some of Milwaukee’s key player resting or dealing with injury issues. It makes sense that the Grizzlies are favored because of who’s out for the Bucks. This spread could move a bit depending on more official news for the injuries on Milwaukee.
Betting Trends
Grizzlies are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Bucks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.
Key Matchups
Can Jevon Carter matchup with Ja Morant? Can Xavier Tillman matchup with Bobby Portis?
Ja Morant vs. Jevon Carter
Ja Morant has been great this year for Memphis. He averages 26 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds per game. He’ll be matched up against Jevon Carter most of the game, who averages 8 points, 2 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game. Carter is a tough guard, but Morant is better and is the biggest reason why the Grizzlies should cover the 6-point spread.
Bobby Portis vs. Xavier Tillman
Bobby Portis has been good this season and will be the best player for the Bucks in this game. He averages 14 points, 1.5 assists, and 10 rebounds per game. He’ll be matched up against Xavier Tillman most of the game, who averages 7 points, 2 assists, and 5 rebounds per game. Tillman is solid, but Portis wins this matchup. Still, the Grizzlies are the pick to cover here.
Memphis Grizzlies Starting Lineup
PG: Ja Morant
SG: Desmond Bane
SF: Dillon Brooks
PF: Jaren Jackson Jr.
C: Xavier Tillman
Milwaukee Bucks Starting Lineups
PG: Jevon Carter
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Joe Ingles
PF: Jae Crowder
C: Bobby Portis
Key Injuries
Memphis Grizzlies Injuries: C Steven Adams (Knee) O, PF Brandon Clarke (Achilles) O
Milwaukee Bucks Injuries: SF Khris Middleton (Knee) O, PF Giannis Antetokounmpo (Ankle) O
