Grizzlies vs. Bucks Prediction & Odds
The second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies head to Milwaukee to take on the top-seeded Bucks on NBA TV Friday night at 8:00 PM ET. Can the Bucks cover the 6.5-point spread as home underdogs?
The Memphis Grizzlies are 50-30 on the season. They are 7-3 in their last 10 games. The Grizzlies are 36-42-2 ATS on the year.
The Milwaukee Bucks are 58-22 on the season. They’re 7-3 in their last 10 games. The Bucks are 43-31-6 ATS on the year.
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
515 Memphis Grizzlies (-6.5) at 516 Milwaukee Bucks (+6.5); O/U 229.5
8:00 PM ET, Friday, April 7, 2023
Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
Grizzlies vs. Bucks Public Betting Information
Our NBA Public Betting Information page indicates that 58% of public bettors are currently backing the Bucks +6.5 in this contest. Note that these numbers are subject to change, so be sure to check the link to receive the most up-to-date public betting data.
Memphis Grizzlies DFS Spin
Memphis power forward Santi Aldama is doubtful for Friday night’s game against Milwaukee with left elbow soreness. Aldama is averaging 9 points and 4.8 rebounds per game for the Grizzlies this season.
Memphis big men Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke will be out for Friday’s game. Adams is dealing with a knee injury and Clarke tore his Achilles tendon and is out for the season.
Grizzlies small forward Dillon Brooks is one of the more underrated players in the league. The fifth-year man out of Oregon is averaging 14.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.9 steals, and 2 made three-pointers per game for Memphis this season. He might be a nice value play at the wing spot in DFS on Friday.
Milwaukee Bucks DFS Spin
The Bucks have clinched homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs and will be resting their entire starting lineup. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez, Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, Pat Connaughton, and Grayson Allen will all miss Friday night’s tilt with Memphis due to a combination of injury management and rest purposes.
With three guards sitting out, Bucks reserve point guard Jevon Carter should see some increased run on Friday. Carter is averaging 8.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.7 made three-pointers per game for the Bucks this season. Carter scored 16 points in Milwaukee’s win over Chicago on Wednesday and he’s shooting 41.9% from deep this season. He could be a nice sleeper play at point guard for DFS players on Friday.
Grizzlies vs. Bucks NBA Betting Trends
Memphis is 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game.
Memphis is 9-4-1 ATS in their last 14 Friday games.
Memphis is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games against Milwaukee.
Milwaukee is 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games against a team with a winning percentage above .600.
Grizzlies vs. Bucks NBA Prediction
Memphis is favored by so many points because the Bucks are resting 6 of their top 8 scorers on Friday. The Bucks have already clinched homecourt advantage so have nothing left to gain by trying to win on Friday night. The Bucks will likely be starting the likes of Bobby Portis, Jevon Carter, Joe Ingles, Jae Crowder, and Wesley Matthews.
The Grizzlies on the other hand can clinch the #2 seed in the Western Conference with a win in Milwaukee on Wednesday. Memphis has gone 5-2 straight up since Ja Morant returned from a suspension in early March, and they seem to be finding their footing again and regaining the form that led to them winning 50 games for a second straight season. The Grizzlies have topped the 120-point mark six times since Ja Morant’s return, and I think they have a good chance at hitting that mark against a shorthanded Milwaukee club on Friday night. I’ll lay the points with the Grizzlies on the road.
NBA BETTING PREDICTION: MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES -6.5