NBA 2022/23, on Friday, 16.12.2022
Just before the World Cup finals in the faraway desert state, an epic match-up between the Memphis Grizzlies and Milwaukee Bucks is set to take centre stage in the NBA with Ja Morant and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
True, the visitors are the more complete and, above all, experienced of the two teams. But should some of the conditions of my Grizzlies Bucks prediction be met, The Grizz should be able to put the Green and Whites in their place again tonight …
Last season, Ja Morant played in his first of many future All-Star Games. He also led the Grizzlies to the 2nd round of the NBA Playoffs after they previously managed to defeat the equally young Timberwolves in round one.
Memphis then paid the price for their lack of experience against the Warriors, but since then they have learned a lot in that area.
Coupled with their extremely talented squad, another postseason push this year should be even more likely!
Especially if The Grizz continue to perform at such a high level. Last night Ja Morant was forced to sit out, but that didn’t stop his teammates from easily outscoring a seasoned squad like the Hawks 128 to 103.
The Grizzlies are the team that can shock the NBA, not just tonight, but in the future. And it’s not just because of Ja Morant or the fact that they just won five games in a row.
In fact, November 15, 2022 represents a positive turning point in the Dark Blue’s season. Because until then, they had problems defensively in the new NBA year as well. But with the comeback of Jaren Jackson Jr. this construction site closed abruptly!
Want an example? Over the span of their last five appearances alone, Memphis managed to hold the opposing team to under 1 point per possession – something they managed to do just once in their previous 23 appearances.
The aforementioned Jaren Jackson Jr. is fundamental in explaining the Grizz’s current success. Opposing teams converted just 48.7% of their throws from the paint with him on the floor, but a much higher 57.3% without him.
In addition, the 23-year-old has made at least four successful blocks in three of his last four appearances. All in all, he has more blocks (32) than personal fouls (30), which has visibly helped the Grizzlies’ defence.
Consequently, the Grizz have a very real chance to beat the Bucks in my eyes. Milwaukee has had trouble with Ja Morant & Co in recent years anyway, but their “defensive upgrade” now presents them with an even trickier task.
Provided Ja Morant returns to the floor tonight, the Grizzlies’ offense should have that one explosive element to trouble a defence as compact and physical as the Bucks’.
Without him, however, his team will be hard pressed to repeat its success over the Hawks. Because what worked against Atlanta on the way forward will only work with difficulty against Brook Lopez and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
In any case, it will be an extremely exciting game. Milwaukee are riding a wave of success themselves right now, with an outstanding 128-111 win over the Golden State Warriors just last night.
While I’m encouraged by the fact that the Warriors have won four of their last five head-to-head meetings with the Bucks, I won’t be blinded by that.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has had a good grip on the Grizz lately, but the Greek is playing sensational basketball …
With 30 points and 12 rebounds, for example, he just became Man of the Match in the game against the defending champions, and everyone knows how well The Dubs can defend …
In the betting bazaars of the world, many basketball fans seem to only have eyes for the Bet365 code for new customers, but the bookies’ current Grizzlies Bucks odds should delight them as well.
The 1.83 currently being offered for a Grizz win is “fair” and also tips the scales, which is why a win bet on the home side makes perfect sense from a betting perspective.
Summary: Expect a game in which, in my opinion, there will be no more than five points between the winner and the loser.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is currently playing great basketball on both ends of the court and leads a clearly experienced squad down the court.
But if Ja Morant returns to action tonight and teammate Jaren Jackson Jr. continues to keep things tight in the back as he has in recent weeks, the Grizz should end up ahead once again.
My Grizzlies Bucks tip: The Grizz narrowly ahead.
