In a clash between two inter-conference foes, the Milwaukee Bucks travel to the Volunteer State to square off with the Memphis Grizzlies. It's time for another edition of our NBA odds series, which includes our in-depth Bucks-Grizzlies prediction and pick. Let's get this show on the road!
Entering play heading into the weekend, the Bucks are winners of four out of the last five games, a feat that is very impressive due to the fact that Milwaukee has been hit with the injury bug over the past couple of weeks. Without either All-Star in Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo suiting up for action in the Bucks' most recent game versus the Wizards, Milwaukee still found a way to topple Washington by a final score of 114-102. Through 73 games, the Bucks sit at 46-27 overall.
Memphis has continued its youthful and electric play, as the Grizzlies have clearly been among the select few that can call themselves the NBA's best. The Grizzlies are tough to beat on their home floor, as they have compiled a record of 26-10 at the FedEx Forum. Superstar point guard Ja Morant is still nursing a knee injury that could sideline him for weeks, therefore the Grizzlies will need to find ways to get production out of other role players. Memphis is 51-23 through 74 games of the regular season.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Bucks-Grizzlies odds:
NBA Odds: Bucks-Grizzlies Odds
Milwaukee Bucks: +2 (-110)
Memphis Grizzlies: -2 (110)
Over: 232.5 (-110)
Under: 232.5 (-110)
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Why the Bucks Could Cover the Spread
Looking at the bigger picture, it becomes quite clear that the Bucks are on a scalding tear. In their previous ten contests, Milwaukee has come out victorious in eight of them. During their massive winning stretch, the Bucks have inflicted most of their damage while being short-handed, shining light on the defending champions' ability to provide an extra amount of depth when it's needed the most. On both ends of the floor, the Bucks have remained steadily consistent at their pursuit of the number one spot in the Eastern Conference. Milwaukee is ranked as the seventh-best Net Rating bunch overall, rounding out as the fifth rated squad on offense and at sixteenth among the rest of the association in defensive rating.
The blistering Bucks could not only cover the spread in this one with their recent play but will look to repeat their formula for success versus the Grizzlies in the same way they did in their one and only meeting against each other, a contest that saw the Bucks overwhelm Memphis by a final score of 126-114. The Greek Freak was a major contributor in that matchup back on Jan. 21st, so the absence of the Bucks' go-to man will hurt them in the later stages of this game.
The key in this one will come down on the shoulders of SG Grayson Allen, who dropped 21 points by going 5-7 from three-point range in the Bucks' victory over the Wizards. It is becoming evident that guard Jrue Holliday will not be suiting up for this matchup as well, so Milwaukee will need to limit the mistakes to come out with the win and continue their hot streak, especially on the road in a hostile environment.
Why the Grizzlies Could Cover the Spread
How fun have the ‘Grizz been throughout the entire 2021-2022 NBA season? Few can doubt Memphis' talent and willingness to take down their foes, but the general public is now shifting its focus to the fact that the Grizzlies have the pieces this year to compete for a championship. Yes, they may be banged up heading into the final few games of the regular season, but when healthy, there aren't many squads in the league that can match up with the Grizzlies superior athleticism and skill.
Memphis has been led by the generational talented point guard himself in Ja Morant, but a hurt knee has prevented him from suiting up four of the past five games. With Morant on track to miss yet another high-anticipated matchup, the absence of their best player on both sides of the court is a major blow in Memphis' chances in defending their home floor on Saturday night. However, the Grizzlies have managed to stay just as hot as the Bucks as of late, reeling off wins left and right by going 8-2 in their past ten games.
If the Grizzlies are going to cover the spread, watch for Desmond Bane to be a contributing factor, as he single handily destroyed the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night with 30 points on 12-15 shooting from the floor.
Final Bucks-Grizzlies Prediction & Pick
The Grizzlies have been tough to beat at home all season long, but with injuries playing a huge factor in this game, don't be shocked if Milwaukee's depth helps them prevail and steal one as the visitors. The Bucks continue down their winning ways, and are that much closer in snagging the top seed within the Eastern Conference.
Final Bucks-Grizzlies Pick: Bucks +2 (-110)
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