Milwaukee Bucks (20-7, second in the Eastern Conference) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (18-9, second in the Western Conference)
LISTEN: Bucks at Grizzlies on WKTY beginning with pregame at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Tune in on 96.7 FM / 580 AM
BOTTOM LINE: Two of the league’s top scorers, Ja Morant and Giannis Antetokounmpo, meet when Memphis and Milwaukee hit the court. Morant ranks eighth in the NBA averaging 27.7 points per game and Antetokounmpo ranks third in the league averaging 31.1 points per game.
The Grizzlies are 12-2 on their home court. Memphis has a 6-6 record against opponents above .500.
The Bucks have gone 7-4 away from home. Milwaukee is the Eastern Conference leader with 48.8 rebounds per game led by Antetokounmpo averaging 11.3.
TOP PERFORMERS: Morant is averaging 27.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 7.8 assists for the Grizzlies. Dillon Brooks is averaging 18.1 points and 3.1 assists over the past 10 games for Memphis.
Jrue Holiday is averaging 19.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.5 steals for the Bucks. Antetokounmpo is averaging 24.0 points over the last 10 games for Milwaukee.
LAST 10 GAMES: Grizzlies: 8-2, averaging 117.4 points, 49.5 rebounds, 27.2 assists, 8.6 steals and 7.0 blocks per game while shooting 48.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.8 points per game.
Bucks: 8-2, averaging 114.5 points, 47.7 rebounds, 26.3 assists, 5.2 steals and 5.5 blocks per game while shooting 47.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.7 points.
INJURIES:
Bucks: Wesley Matthews: out (health and safety protocols), Jrue Holiday: day to day (illness), Joe Ingles: out (knee).
TOP PHOTO: FILE – Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) drives on Minnesota Timberwolves guard Malik Beasley (5) during an NBA preseason basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton- King)