Memphis Grizzlies vs Milwaukee Bucks: Cruising Grizzlies host title defenders Bucks

NBA tricky terrain envelopes us in its frenzy day in and day out and when it comes to the betting scenario, we are thrown a bunch of curveballs on a daily basis. As someone, who is basically covering most of the games in the season, this has been a challenging one because my predictions have been at times completely being overturned. Like the bettors, I am also learning the ups and downs of the league, and even if there are some obvious choices of who will come through in a particular contest, the totals, handicaps, etc. will always be tricky to predict. Anyway, keeping that in mind, let us jump into another betting scenario as the Memphis Grizzlies host the Milwaukee Bucks.

Since Bucks’ Jrue Holiday has been ruled out for the game, it evens out the absence of Ja Morant. However, Grizzlies have seen some brilliant production from Desmond Bane who continues to rain down triples after triples. This is where the Grizzlies can take advantage of a thinned-down guard spot when it comes to the Grizzlies. Giannis’ status has been listed as “Questionable” when it comes to the Bucks and his presence determines the course this team takes during most nights. However, even if he plays the frontcourt of Jaren Jackson and Steven Adams can give him some trouble with their physicality and ability to contest shots. But yes, Giannis is pretty much unstoppable even if you have an elite defense.

In the frontline, the presence of Jaren and Steven Adams can help the Grizzlies take out Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, and Serge Ibaka. Jackson is a Defensive Player of the Year candidate while being a superb scorer as well. Meanwhile, Adams brings elite rebounding and a bunch of hustle in the middle. On the other hand, the presence of Khris Middleton will be crucial for the Bucks to keep Dillon Brooks busy which can help free up the lanes for both Giannis and the other frontline players. However, without Jrue, the guard position is where the Grizzlies can take advantage through Bane, Jones, and Melton. That is why Bucks will need a lot from Connaughton and Allen.

In terms of the bench, not having Brandon Clarke will surely hurt the Grizzlies and the Bucks bench has become stronger with Portis’ insertion. Kyle Anderson can see an uptick in his minutes with Clarke’s absence and he brings versatility to the team. If you look at the Grizzlies, the lineup of Bane, Jones, Brooks, Jackson, and Adams has done a great job without Morant and the Bucks lack the same depth because they have often struggled without either of their prime three players in Giannis, Holiday, and Middleton missing from the scene. I give the Grizzlies an advantage here and if Giannis doesn’t play then the Bucks will surely be in dire straits.

• Grizzlies: Ja Morant, Brandon Clarke, and Killian Tillie are OUT for the game;
• Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo is QUESTIONABLE while Khris Middleton is PROBABLE. Jrue Holiday is OUT.

Assuming these players are available, below are my player-based predictions:

• I believe Desmond Bane will score at least 27 points;
• I see Khris Middleton scoring at least 21 points;
• I believe Steven Adams will grab at least 13 rebounds;
• I see Bobby Portis grabbing at least 9 rebounds;
• I see Dillon Brooks will get at least 2 steals here.

Points Range: The Grizzlies are unstoppable on the offensive end on their home floor. They are one of the fastest-paced teams in the league and lead every team in steals, blocks, and also in fast-break points. They have active hands of Bane, Brooks, Jackson, and Adams patrolling around while they can score points in bunches regularly. The Bucks are not as fast-paced as the Grizzlies but they have been able to notch high-quality offense even in half-court settings. The Grizzlies are formidable defensively on their home floor and they lead the league in rebounds by a long distance. The Bucks are also an elite rebounding unit especially when Giannis is active. Of course, the Bucks can tend to struggle on the offensive end without Giannis and with Holiday gone, there is no reliable player who can run the Point for this team. I believe this will be a high-scoring game, the points range being 230-245 if Giannis plays and 230-240 without him.

Prediction: Not only the presence of Giannis impacts the offensive end for the Bucks, but their defense can also be hurt without him as well. This is why the Grizzlies can sniff out some easy buckets if the MVP candidate is playing. I believe the Grizzlies are going to come fired up, and there is a reason why they have the second-best record in the league and are the only team to grab 50 wins this season apart from the Suns. I see the Grizzlies establishing a running game early and winning 123:111.

• Individual Total 1 Over 114.5 for 1.94;
• Handicap 1 (-4.5) for 2.25;
• Total O 232.5 for 1.90;