The Milwaukee Bucks return home after a tough road trip to host the visiting Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night.
The Bucks endured a challenging 1-3 trip out West, suffering losses to the Clippers, Trail Blazers, and a 144-118 defeat to the Spurs in San Antonio on Friday night. The Spurs set a season-high in scoring, with Victor Wembanyama leading the charge with 30 points, while Giannis Antetokounmpo countered with 35 points for the Bucks.
The Memphis Grizzlies, on the other hand, avoided a season-series sweep against the Houston Rockets with a narrow 120-119 win at home on Thursday night. Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies, who have won seven of their last eight games, with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists.
All-Star reserve Jaren Jackson Jr. leads Memphis with 22.8 points per game this season, while Zach Edey leads in rebounding with 7.3 boards per game, and Desmond Bane is the top playmaker with 5.5 assists per game.
For the Bucks, Antetokounmpo continues to dominate, averaging 31.8 points and 12.2 rebounds per game. Damian Lillard contributes 7.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Both were selected as Eastern Conference All-Stars.
On the injury front, Milwaukee was without bench big man Bobby Portis for the four-game trip due to personal reasons, and he will also miss Sunday’s game in Milwaukee.
For Memphis, Ja Morant (shoulder) did not play on Thursday and is doubtful for Sunday. Vince Williams Jr. (ankle), Marcus Smart (finger), and Cam Spencer (thumb) remain out.
The Grizzlies have posed significant challenges for the Bucks in recent years, winning six consecutive matchups. Earlier this season, Memphis secured a 122-99 victory over Milwaukee on Halloween, with Morant leading seven Grizzlies in double figures with 26 points. Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 37 points, while Lillard struggled, scoring just four points on 1-for-12 shooting from the field.
Memphis boasts nearly top-five rankings on both ends of the court, placing fifth in offensive rating, fifth in NET rating, and seventh in defensive rating. The Grizzlies also excel in pace, leading the NBA in miles per game and average speed.
As the Bucks look to rebound from their recent road struggles and the Grizzlies aim to maintain their dominance, Sunday’s matchup promises to be an exciting and competitive game.
