Bucks-Grizzlies: How to Watch, Odds, Predictions, More

Looking to end its losing streak, Milwaukee heads to the FedEx Forum.

Apr 3, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket against Memphis Grizzlies forward Lamar Stevens (24) in the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

On Thursday night in FedEx Forum, the 1-3 Milwaukee Bucks will look to end their three-game losing streak against the banged-up Memphis Grizzlies, who sit at 2-3 on the year.

How to Watch

The action tips off at 7 p.m. CT on NBA TV, FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin, and can be listened to on ESPN 92.9 FM and 680 AM locally. Out-of-state fans without NBA TV can always tune in via League Pass (where the game is viewable on both home and away broadcasts, as well as the NBA TV broadcast).

Odds

With so many Grizzlies wings hurt, the Bucks are actually favored to steal a road win. Per gambling aggregator The Action Network, Milwaukee is a projected -6.5 point favorite to win. All-NBA Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is predicted to be the contest's leading scorer, with his over/under set at 28.5 points for the night. All-Star point guard Damian Lillard's over/under is pegged at 24.5 points a night.

Memphis will be without starting shooting guard Desmond Bane and starting small forward Marcus Smart, in addition to three key reserves. All-Rookie Team forward GG Jackson II, swingman Luke Kennard, and small forward Vince Williams Jr. are also all shelved, as is rookie shooting guard Cam Spencer.

Read More: Latest Update on Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart Injuries

Predictions

Look for the Bucks to capitalize on the Grizzlies' health absences and snag a marginal victory, covering the spread but within 10 points. Let's call it a 110-101 Milwaukee win. Gritty, capable, and with no one outside of All-Stars Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo scoring over 12 points.

More

Bucks starting shooting guard Gary Trent Jr. may be getting more run than he should be. Heck, he may not be the cure to what ails Milwaukee as a starter. Trent is averaging 10.0 points a game on a middling .367/.375/.909 slash line, along with 1.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.0 steals across 33.5 minutes.

Generally a solid scorer, the swingman is a poor defender, and has proved to be an awkward pairing alongside defensive sieve Damian Lillard in the Bucks' backcourt. Should Milwaukee's wing defense cost the club a very winnable game on Thursday night, it could be time for Doc Rivers to mix things up, either moving Delon Wright or another more defensively inclined wing into that starting two-guard slot.

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