The Milwaukee Bucks (56-16) tangle with the Memphis Grizzlies (33-39) Thursday at 4 p.m. ET in the bubble outside of Orlando, Fla. We analyze the Bucks-Grizzlies NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.
Bucks vs. Grizzlies: Key injuries
Bucks
- SF Giannis Antetokounmpo (suspension) out
- PF Ersan Ilyasova (elbow) questionable
- SG Wesley Matthews (groin) out
Grizzlies
- PF Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) out
- PG Tyus Jones (knee) out
- SF Justise Winslow (hip) out
Bucks vs. Grizzlies: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Thursday at 11:47 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Grizzlies 118, Bucks 114
Moneyline (ML)
GRIZZLIES (-154) are worth a roll of the dice here. They’re a half-game back of the Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference playoff race, sitting ninth in the standings in a tie with the red-hot Phoenix Suns. In other words, they have plenty to play for, and they catch a break with Antetokounmpo suspended.
The Grizzlies are a good play to win outright against a Bucks (+125) team missing its top star. Milwaukee also has the top seed in the East locked up, so they have nothing to play for.
New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Grizzlies would return a profit of $6.50, while a $10 wager on the Bucks would fetch a profit of $12.50.
Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The GRIZZLIES -2.5 (-115) limp in with a 1-6 straight up/ATS mark in seven games in the bubble, making it awfully tough on themselves as they try to snap a two-year drought and get into the playoffs. It’s not too late, however, and they can still play their way into the postseason.
This group will not have to face the Bucks’ (+2.5, -106) best player, and they’re playing a team with nothing to prove. It’s not too late and Memphis will get it done with an outright victory.
Over/Under (O/U)
OVER 228.5 (-115) is where it’s at, hitting in four of the past five for the Bucks.
Offense hasn’t been a problem for Milwaukee, and the defense hasn’t been too great lately, either. The Bucks have allowed 112 or more points in all seven games in the bubble so far. The Grizzlies have hit the Under in three in a row, but they’re posting 110.5 points per game on offense over the past four. Look for a spirited performance and an Over result here.
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