A rested Milwaukee Bucks team heads to the FedEx Forum on Thursday night to take on the Memphis Grizzlies.
It’s been a disappointing start to the new season for the Bucks, but their big players are beginning to shine and they can make a statement in Tennessee.
They might only be four games into the season, but not many would have expected the Milwaukee Bucks to be sat in 12th place in the Eastern Conference.
Having won their season opener, the Bucks have lost their next three, although mere results don't necessarily paint the whole picture. Two of the defeats came against two of the top three teams in East – the defending champion Boston Celtics and the Chicago Bulls.
The Bucks will see Thursday night’s game with Memphis as the perfect opportunity to get back on track, with the Grizzlies coming in off the back of a painful defeat on Wednesday.
Taylor Jenkins’ men were down by just a point to the Brooklyn Nets on their home court going into the fourth quarter, but managed just 16 points before the buzzer and lost 106-119.
Home form will be a big concern for Jenkins with the Grizzlies winning just nine of 32 at the FedEx Forum last season, and they have already lost two of three this time around.
The points have been flowing when the Bucks and Grizzlies have been on court so far this season.
In their first four matchups, games involving Milwaukee have averaged 233 points, while the Grizzlies’ first five games have had an average 239 points.
Desmond Bane has been the star of the show so far for Memphis. He is averaging 21 points per game this season, including 24 points in the season opener against the Utah Jazz.
Concerns though over the health of Ja Morant are a big worry for Grizzlies fans. The two-time All Star is struggling with a thigh muscle issue. The point guard managed 29 minutes on court against the Nets, but scored just 14 points and the quick turnaround for this game is not ideal.
The Bucks have also had their injury problems, with Khris Middleton currently sidelined, but Taurean Prince is an able deputy at small forward.
These teams both rank in the top six in pace so far, with both teams averaging upwards of 100 possessions per team per game. That means there will be plenty of chances to score and Over 231.5 points is the way to go because of that.
Despite worries over tendinitis in his right knee, Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to start the game in Memphis.
The Bucks have had their struggles against Memphis in recent times – losing their last five meetings – but the Greek Freak has often scored plenty of points against Thursday’s opponents.
Giannis contributed 35 points, 12 assists and four rebounds in this matchup last season – which eventually finished 113-110 to the Grizzlies.
His latest injury means that Doc Rivers might have to manage his game time, which could potentially lead to more of the ball for Damian Lillard.
The former Portland star dropped 33 points in the 119-108 loss to the Celtics last time out and Lillard is averaging 28.0 PPG so far this season.
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Milwaukee Bucks | -245 ML |
Memphis Grizzlies | +200 ML |
Spread | MIL Bucks -6.5 |
Total Points | O/U 231.5 |
Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL Bucks) | O/U 28.5 |
Damian Lillard (MIL Bucks) | O/U 24.5 |
Bobby Portis (MIL Bucks) | O/U 13.5 |
Desmond Bane (MEM Grizzlies) | O/U 19.5 |
Ja Morant (MEM Grizzlies) | O/U 20.5 |
Zach Edey (MEM Grizzlies) | O/U 7.5 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.