Milwaukee Bucks vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction and Preview | Oct. 31, 2024

Two teams that have started the season more disappointing than anticipated will clash during the Milwaukee Bucks vs Memphis Grizzlies game on Thursday night. Both teams are coming off losses, with the Bucks falling to the Boston Celtics on Monday and the Grizzlies losing by 13 points at home to the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday.

Below are additional details for the upcoming game, which is scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. ET at the FedEx Forum in Memphis.

Milwaukee Bucks vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction, Preview and Odds

---

Moneyline: Bucks (-227) vs Grizzlies (+189)

Spread: Bucks -5.5 (-110) vs Grizzlies +5.5 (+110)

Total (O/U): Bucks o224.5 (-115) vs Grizzlies u224.5 (-110)

Editor's note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

---

Milwaukee Bucks vs Memphis Grizzlies preview

This matchup represents the first meeting between these two teams, both of which are looking to overcome their slow starts and gain early-season momentum.

The Bucks are on a three-game losing streak. After winning their season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers — who were without Joel Embiid and Paul George — they have suffered double-digit losses to the Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics.

It's safe to say that the team has struggled to start the season, as both their offensive and defensive ratings are in the bottom half of the league, which bodes poorly for a team with championship aspirations.

Although the Bucks rank fourth in field goal percentage at 48.3%, their ball movement has been poor, placing them sixth-worst in assists with only 22.3 per game.

Meanwhile, The Grizzlies have lost two consecutive games, falling by three points to the Bulls on Monday and by 13 points to the Nets on Wednesday. They were favored in both contests but ended up losing, bringing their record to three losses in the first five games of the season.

The Grizzlies have displayed a strong offense with a 112.7 offensive rating; however, their defense has been lacking, placing them in the bottom 10 for defensive rating. While they rank in the top 10 for blocks, they have struggled to stop opponents from scoring, as evidenced by their negative net rating of -4.0.

Both teams have faced difficulties finding their rhythm this season, and this game presents an opportunity for either team to end their slumps.

---

Milwaukee Bucks vs Memphis Grizzlies predicted starting lineups

The Grizzlies will be missing Luke Kennard, GG Jackson II, Vince Williams Jr. and Cam Spencer, while Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart are questionable after sustaining injuries against the Nets.

The Bucks will be without Khris Middleton.

Bucks

G - Damian Lillard | G - Gary Trent Jr. | F - Taurean Prince | F - Giannis Antetokounmpo | C - Brook Lopez

Grizzlies

G - Ja Morant | G - Scotty Pippen Jr. | F - Santi Aldama | F - Jaren Jackson Jr. | C - Zach Edey

Editor's note: These are the predicted lineups and could change based on the availability of players.

---

Milwaukee Bucks vs Memphis Grizzlies betting props

Ja Morant’s over/under for assists is set at 6.5. With Marcus Smart and Desmond Bane potentially out, he will take on a larger playmaking role. Expect him to surpass that number, and also anticipate that he will exceed his 4.5 rebounding prop.

For the Milwaukee Bucks, Brook Lopez is projected to have 4.5 rebounds. Since he is averaging 5.5 boards, expect him to go over that as well.

---

Milwaukee Bucks vs Memphis Grizzlies prediction

This matchup features two struggling teams, but anticipate that the Memphis Grizzlies will pull off an upset despite missing some players. The Grizzlies have the size to challenge Giannis Antetokounmpo, and their bench’s grit and grind could be the key to securing the victory.