Memphis Grizzlies vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction: The Grizzlies in for a grueling affair

In the NBA, a missed basket, a made free throw, a late-game collapse can muddle what can appear as a safe prediction, thus, the topsy-turvy nature of the league makes it difficult to assess the trajectory of a game. Therefore, a thorough analysis can turn into dust as teams wrestle for momentum throughout the season. And two of the top dogs in Memphis Grizzlies and Milwaukee Bucks will be in for a big-time affair.

Scorching Grizzlies enter the fray after decimating the Hawks 128:103 as Tyus Jones had 22 points and 11 assists to carry the team in absence of Ja Morant. The incredible Memphis has now won six games in a row. The Grizzlies continue where they left the last season and they keep on improving with each game. The return of Jaren Jackson has helped the defensive end and the team has now compiled 18 wins and nine losses.

Ja Morant has been the scoring and assists leader, but like last season, the Grizzlies aren’t overdependent upon him as his backup Jones is a starting level Guard and pours in big nights when given extended minutes. The defensive line containing Brooks and Jackson has allowed the Grizzlies to have the fifth-best defensive rating in the league, which means that for a team that is clicking on offense, there are a lot of blowout wins.

The Bucks come into this game after one of their impressive wins as they dusted off the Warriors 128:111 as Giannis Antetokounmpo put up 30 points and Bobby Portis nailed 25 points. The Bucks have won eight of their last ten games, and overall, they have won 20 and lost just seven, currently vying for the top spot against the Celtics. This record isn’t surprising considering they have one of the best cores which has brought a championship before.

The Bucks have the second-best defensive rating and teams on average has shot 44.5% against them, which makes for the best field goal percentage defense in the league. The offense isn’t glorious but the team is methodical and can find a lot of zip on the defense to overcome some dry spells. The Frontline is amazing with Antetokounmpo, Portis, Middleton, and Lopez backed by a strong defensive guard line of Holiday, Allen, and Connaughton, alongside a bunch of veterans.

• Grizzlies: OUT: Desmond Bane, Danny Green;
• Bucks: OUT: Jrue Holiday. Joe Ingles.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Giannis Antetokounmpo(29-35 Points), Ja Morant(27-33 Points)
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Giannis Antetokounmpo(13-15 Rebounds), Steven Adams(10-13 Rebounds)
• Expected Leading Playmakers: Tyus Jones(7-10 Assists), Jrue Holiday(6-8 Assists).

These are two of the best defensive teams in the league lately so the chances of a high-scorer may look slim but both teams have also a lot of depth. While the Grizzlies have won without Morant and Adams, they hadn’t gone up against an opponent of Bucks’ quality. However, the Grizzlies can’t still be underestimated and Jaren Jackson can cause a lot of problems to Giannis. Overall, the Grizzlies do need Morant and Adams here against the physical Bucks team. Anyway, I am confused as to whom to back but with Morant likely back, won’t Memphis has the advantage? I predict a scoreline of 110:106.