Memphis Needs Win to Clinch No. 2 Seed
The Memphis Grizzlies (50-30) visit the Milwaukee Bucks (58-22) on Friday night. Following a loss on Wednesday, the Grizzlies will likely play at full strength as they are a win away from clinching the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. The Bucks will rest key players after clinching the Eastern Conference’s top seed on Wednesday.
With Milwaukee lacking key pieces, NBA lines favor Memphis by eight points. However, the Grizzlies are 2-3 and 1-4 against the spread (ATS) over the last five games. Meanwhile, the Bucks are 5-1 in the last six. Will Memphis clinch the No. 2 seed on Friday?
Find the latest NBA odds for upcoming games and futures markets here!
Grizzlies’ Frontcourt Poised for Big Day?
Guard Ja Morant (26.4 points, 8.1 assists) missed Wednesday’s game with a hip injury. He is probable to play against the Bucks. Expect Memphis to go all out for the win so starters can get rest in the final game of the regular season on Sunday. The Grizzlies are the sportsbook’s fourth choice to win the West (+550). This could drop if Memphis clinches the No. 2 seed.
The defense has taken a step back over the last three games. Two opponents shot better than 50% from the field. The Grizz lead the NBA with a 45.3% opponent field goal percentage. On Wednesday, the New Orleans Pelicans torched Memphis from deep, shooting 21 of 39 on 3-pointers. This must improve, especially heading into the postseason.
Milwaukee will rest it’s starting frontcourt, meaning it could be a big day for Jaren Jackson Jr. (18.3 points, 3.0 blocks). The All-Star forward is averaging 29.3 points in the last three games and comes off 40 points against the Pelicans. According to basketball odds, Jackson is the favorite to win the Defensive Player of the Year Award (-160).
Bucks Resting Key Players
The Bucks are one of the league’s best home teams with a 32-8 record. Yet, Milwaukee is a significant underdog on Friday. The Bucks have a long list of players that are expected to rest: guard Jrue Holiday (19.3 points), forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (31.1 points), forward Khris Middleton (15.1 points), and center Brook Lopez (15.9 points). They are Milwaukee’s top four scorers, so who should be back in NBA betting?
Forward Bobby Portis (14.1 points) is a great option for prop bets. Per NBA odds, he is the third choice to win the Sixth Man of the Year Award (+6000). Portis stepped into a prominent role on Wednesday with Antetokounmpo out. He flourished with a team-high 27 points and 13 rebounds. However, the Grizzlies’ Jackson is a tough matchup as he is one of the NBA’s best defensive players.
Bobby Portis splash… 15-0 @Bucks run to move in front on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/eXj8yUWp9H
— NBA (@NBA) April 6, 2023
Guard Jevon Carter (8.1 points) will start and is capable of filling it up. In fact, he scored at least 16 points in four of the last five games when he recorded at least 30 minutes. Carter is another great online gambling prop bet.
Bucks vs Grizzlies Game Injuries
Grizzlies vs Bucks Head-to-Head
The series is split at 5-5 in the last 10 games. Both teams are also 5-5 ATS during the span. The home team has won the last three matchups.
Grizzlies vs Bucks Game Information
- Game: Memphis Grizzlies (50-30) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (58-22)
- Location: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
- Day/Time: Friday, April 7, 8:00 p.m. ET
- Grizzlies vs. Bucks Live Stream: NBA Game Pass
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Grizzlies vs Bucks Betting Lines
Grizzlies vs Bucks Picks and Prediction
The Bucks are the Las Vegas odds’ title favorite at +300. It makes sense why Milwaukee is resting most of its starting lineup. Friday will be a good chance to check out the Bucks’ vital reserve players for the playoffs. However, it won’t be enough to beat the Grizzlies. Portis has played well, but Jackson’s defensive presence could be too much. Plus, Memphis has a major backcourt advantage with Morant and Desmond Bane. Take the Grizzlies on the moneyline.
Memphis is listed at -300 in our Vegas NBA lines. This means that if you wager $100 on the Grizzlies, you have a chance to win $33. Milwaukee is +250, offering a chance to win $250 on a $100 wager. The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives Memphis a 75.00% chance to win, with the Bucks at 28.57%.
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Bucks vs Grizzlies Previous Game (Dec 15, 2022)
The Memphis Grizzlies and Milwaukee Bucks meet on NBA Thursday and it could be an early look at a playoff series.
The sportsbook opened the Grizzlies at -2, which is a fair line for a team riding a six-game winning streak. However, the Bucks are one of the best in the East and have won eight of their last 10.
Bucks vs Grizzlies Game Summary
Bucks vs Grizzlies Trends
Bucks vs Grizzlies Edge
Bucks vs Grizzlies Results
Bucks vs Grizzlies Game Summary
