Milwaukee Bucks vs. Memphis Grizzlies Prediction: Injury Report, Starting 5s, Betting Odds & Picks - December 15 | 2022-23 NBA Season
The red-hot Memphis Grizzlies, winners of six straight games, will look to keep the good times rolling when they host the fellow championship-hopeful Milwaukee Bucks tonight.
Both teams have made fantastic starts this season and sit as the second seed in their respective conferences. The defense has led the way as both squads rank in the top 10 in defensive rating this season.
With two of the league's brightest stars leading the way in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant, we'll see how these teams measure up while the stakes are a bit lower.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Memphis Grizzlies Match Details
Fixture: Milwaukee Bucks @ Memphis Grizzlies
Date and Time: Thursday, December 15, 8:00 p.m. EDT
Venue: FedExForum
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report
Heading into this matchup, both sides are banged up. The visiting Milwaukee Bucks have already ruled out starting point guard Jrue Holiday (illness) and small forward Joe Ingles (knee). Rookie small forward MarJon Beauchamp (nose) is still listed as day-to-day, but is probably going to play.
Memphis has four key players listed on the injury report. Ja Morant (thigh) and Steven Adams (ankle) are listed as day-to-day, although both are expected to play tonight. Desmond Bane (toe) and Danny Green (knee) are both ruled out tonight.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Memphis Grizzlies Betting Odds
Odds are courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook
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Milwaukee Bucks vs. Memphis Grizzlies Starting 5s
Milwaukee - PG: Jevon Carter, SG: Grayson Allen, SF: Khris Middleton, PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo, C: Brook Lopez
Memphis - PG: Ja Morant, SG: Dillon Brooks, SF: John Konchar, PF: Jaren Jackson Jr., C: Steven Adams
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Memphis Grizzlies Prediction
Not having Jrue Holiday, an excellent defender to hound Ja Morant is a massive blow to Milwaukee's chances tonight. The Bucks have the worst offensive rating on the road in the NBA this season, and their defense is what keeps them competitive in road contests.
Speaking of incredible defense, Memphis' defensive rating during their current winning streak is 101.6, the top mark in the NBA over that stretch. Despite Desmond Bane's injury, they've managed to maintain their offensive production as well.
While Milwaukee is undeniably one of the top teams in the league this season, I think the circumstances favor Memphis in this one. The Grizzlies money line odds are worthwhile, but I like the extra bit of juice against a small spread.
Prediction: Memphis Grizzlies -2 (-110)
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