The Bucks are visiting FedExForum to face the Grizzlies tonight, February 15th. On paper, this seems like a one-sided matchup and bookie apps support that claim by allocating an 11.5-point spread to the team from Milwaukee.
However, the Bucks, a team with two of the league's best players in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, fell to the Heat on Tuesday with a final score of 123-97 in Miami's favor. On the other hand, the Grizzlies fared much better yesterday, winning against the Rockets 121-113. That win is notable because Memphis is battling numerous injuries, most crucially playing without Ja Morant and Marcus Smart.
The Grizzlies are playing back-to-back games, and this duel is available for betting with a Caesars sports promo code. Let's preview the odds.
The Bucks Got Embarrassed
Losing at home in a blowout fashion is not a good sign, but in the Bucks' defense, they did outscore the champion Nuggets on Monday with 112-95. So far, Milwaukee's new head coach, Doc Rivers, is not inspiring magic, but Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a consistent contributor. Versus Miami, the Greek Freak scored only 23 points but was dominant under the boards with 11 rebounds.
The Grizzlies are not an opponent in the category of Miami and Denver, and the Bucks should have an easier game tonight. Milwaukee's 35-20 record positions the Bucks as 3rd seed in the East. This team averages 122.2 points per game, ranking 2nd in the league. Their shooting is 49.4% from the field and 37.7% from the three-point range. Moreover, they average 44.0 rebounds, 26.8 assists, and 12.9 turnovers per game.
On the defensive side of the ball, Milwaukee ranks 18th and has a reputation as not being the best defensive team. The Bucks concede 118.9 points per game, stealing 6.9 balls and 5.2 blocks per game. Khris Middleton's sprained ankle distances him from the court, but the rest of the roster is healthy.
The Grizzlies Showcase Their Young Talent
The Grizzlies scoring is down, which is to be expected without Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, with several other players being in and out of the roster because of injuries. Inconsistency is a recipe for a losing season. Yet, Memphis is still dangerous, thanks to their defense, ranking 8th in the NBA. This team averages 113.1 points a night and steals 7.7 balls with 6.1 blocks on average. Offensively, Memphis scores 106.7 points per game with a low 43.9% from the field and 34.7% from beyond the arc.
Playing back-to-back games can be tiring, and it's up to Luke Kennard and Jaren Jackson Jr. to step up and lead the Grizzlies to another victory. Kennard netted 19 points against Houston, while Jackson put up 18 points on the same night. Playing with a skeleton crew will not get Memphis to the postseason, but the young talent is eager to prove itself and create trouble for other teams.
Betting Prediction
The Bucks are looking to bounce back against the Grizzlies, and sportsbooks with free bets offers see it as a sure thing. A moneyline bet on the visiting team offers -675 odds, while Memphis gets +490 odds for the same bet. Covering the -11.5-point spread is worth equal -110 odds for both teams. And the total is 225 with the same -110 odds for the Over and Under. Memphis's defense is competent, and considering the Bucks do not play defense, even the Grizzlies' scoring ability can generate points tonight and, if nothing else, allow them to cover the spread.
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