Memphis (32-16) at Milwaukee (26-20)
- When: Feb 2 2025, 8:30 PM
- Where: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- TV: ESPN
Game Preview
Spread: Milwaukee -3 | Total: 246.5
Milwaukee Bucks Outlook
The Bucks return to Fiserv Forum hoping to bounce back from a rough 1-3 West Coast road trip, which ended in a 144-118 blowout loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 35-point effort, Milwaukee’s defense collapsed, allowing the Spurs to put up a season-high in scoring.
Head coach Doc Rivers was blunt about the team’s lackluster defensive effort.
“We gave up 17 points in the first four minutes of the game, and that set the tone,” Rivers said. “We’ve been a great defensive team, but on this trip, we have not been. We’ve got to figure it out.”
Key Stats & Players:
Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the team with 31.8 PPG and 12.2 RPG.
Damian Lillard contributes 7.3 APG and 1.2 SPG but struggled in their last meeting against Memphis, scoring just 4 points on 1-for-12 shooting.
Bobby Portis remains out due to personal reasons, putting extra strain on Brook Lopez, who Rivers noted looked fatigued in recent games.
The Bucks have struggled defensively in recent matchups and will need to tighten up against a Grizzlies team that thrives in transition. Milwaukee has lost six straight meetings against Memphis, so this will be an important test for their defense.
Memphis Grizzlies Outlook
The Grizzlies are coming off a thrilling 120-119 win over the Houston Rockets, avoiding a season-series sweep. Desmond Bane led the way with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists, as Memphis continues to find success despite Ja Morant’s ongoing absence.
Head coach Taylor Jenkins emphasized that the team still has plenty of defensive issues to clean up.
“Our defense has got to improve. We need to be better at shift rotations, on-ball defense, and second-chance points,” Jenkins said. “The Rockets exposed some of our weaknesses, and we’ve got to get better.”
Key Stats & Players:
Jaren Jackson Jr. leads Memphis in scoring with 22.8 PPG.
Zach Edey dominates the boards with 7.3 RPG.
Desmond Bane has taken over playmaking duties, averaging 5.5 APG.
The Grizzlies are one of the NBA’s best teams in pace, leading the league in fast-break points, average speed, and miles per game. If they can get out and run against Milwaukee’s struggling transition defense, they’ll have a great shot to cover the spread and possibly extend their six-game winning streak over the Bucks.
Betting Prediction & Props
Memphis dominated Milwaukee 122-99 in their first meeting back in October, with Morant leading the way. However, with Morant doubtful for this matchup, Memphis will need Bane and Jackson Jr. to carry the offensive load.
Spread Prediction: Memphis (+3) covers in a tightly contested game.
Total Prediction: Expect Over 246.5, as both teams push the pace.
Player Props to Watch:
Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 32.5 Points – He has dominated Memphis in previous matchups.
Desmond Bane Over 7.5 Assists – Bane has taken on more playmaking responsibilities in Morant’s absence.
Jaren Jackson Jr. Over 2.5 Blocks – A strong rim protector against a Milwaukee team that attacks the paint.
The Bucks have struggled to contain Memphis in recent years, but if they can limit transition points, they should be able to edge out a win at home. Still, expect the Grizzlies to keep this one close and potentially pull off the upset.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
