Memphis Grizzlies score vs. Milwaukee Bucks: live updates
A big litmus test opportunity awaits the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday night against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Memphis (19-8) has won six consecutive games, but the Bucks (20-7) have been one of the NBA's best teams and will be the biggest test of that stretch.
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins was an assistant under Mike Budenholzer, so the Bucks and Grizzlies have similarities in playing styles. Both teams are great at protecting the rim. Milwaukee ranks first in rebounding, and Memphis is second.
Memphis has led the NBA in paint scoring in each of Ja Morant's first four season, but Milwaukee's frontcourt is best equipped to combat the Grizzlies attack. Brook Lopez is arguably the frontrunner for defensive player of the year, and Giannis Antetokounmpo won the award in 2020. The duo has combined for 3.9 blocks per game.
On the other side of the ball, the Grizzlies have one of the best defensive frontcourts. Antetokounmpo is averaging 31.1 points and 11.3 rebounds per game, but Jaren Jackson Jr. and Steven Adams both have the size to challenge Antetokounmpo.
The Grizzlies will have one of their cleanest injury reports of the season. Desmond Bane and Danny Green remain out, and Vince Williams Jr. is questionable. Morant and Adams are good to go after missing Monday's game against the Atlanta Hawks.
Milwaukee will be missing Jrue Holiday, who is one of the top perimeter defenders in the NBA. He's out due to an illness.
Memphis and Milwaukee have split their two meetings the last four seasons. This is their first matchup of the 2022-23 season.
Follow along for live updates.
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Memphis Grizzlies score vs. Milwaukee Bucks: live updates
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies score vs. Milwaukee Bucks: live updates
