The Milwaukee Bucks play host while looking for revenge on the Memphis Grizzlies, who scored a win in the middle of a down, injury-riddled year.
Catch the game tomorrow at 7:00 AM, Manila time.
AWAY: Memphis Grizzlies (25-50, 17-22 AWAY)
Projected starting five:
- Scotty Pippen Jr.
- GG Jackson
- Luke Kennard
- Santi Aldama
- Jaren Jackson Jr.
The Grizzlies are coming off a narrow, 110-108 escape win over the East-bottoming Detroit Pistons. It was also just their third win in 12 games. Jaren Jackson Jr. (22.3 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.6 BPG) is still a trooper, though, and continues to do his best with a severely undermanned lineup. He led the way with a complete line: 40 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks.
Surprisingly, JJJ wasn’t needed the last time the Grizzlies faced the Bucks as a group of second and third-stringers defeated the Bucks, 113-110. It’s a hungry bunch that’s eager to make a name for themselves.
Ziaire Williams and GG Jackson each had 27 points, with the latter also burying six three-pointers. Vince Williams, meanwhile, posted a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while adding seven assists. All three have been making the most of the boosted minutes this season, and should have plenty of confidence for Friday.
HOME: Milwaukee Bucks (48-27, 29-8 HOME)
Projected starting five:
- Damian Lillard (day-to-day) / Patrick Beverley
- Malik Beasley
- Khris Middleton
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Brook Lopez
The Bucks will be on the heels of an embarrassing 117-113 loss to the Washington Wizards. Though missing Damian Lillard was notable, they still have no business getting beat by a severely inferior team.
Such has been the case in the Doc Rivers era, which has been filled with questionable losses, this L to Washington and the aforementioned defeat to the ‘G-League Grizzlies’ included. What’s alarming about that is Giannis Antetokounmpo had a classic ‘Greek Freak’ game vs. MEM last month, as he bullied his way for 35 points on 15-of-17 shooting.
This one is a tough call. Yes, the Bucks are at home and would naturally come out with a lot of energy. They just got upset by Wizards and would look to take out their frustration on the next opponent, which happens to be another team that they are seeking revenge over. However, note that they are on 0-days rest and have been hot-and-cold over the last eight weeks.
It’ll come down to how much you trust the firepower. Antetokounmpo, Lillard (if he plays), Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis, and Malik Beasley is a collection of defense and all-around offense.
PICKS:
Spread: Grizzlies (+13)
Over/Under: Over (223.5)
