What to expect from the Memphis Grizzlies and Milwaukee Bucks

Jan 28, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) dribbles the ball as Milwaukee Bucks Jabari Parker (12) defends in the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

After a crazy win versus the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday, the Memphis Grizzlies travel to Milwaukee to take on the Bucks, who are on a two-loss streak to teams who both came into the games without wins.

The Memphis Grizzlies will be traveling to the BMO Harris Center to take on the Milwaukee Bucks this Saturday. Both teams will be coming into the game with 4-4 records, while the Grizzlies are hoping to add to their win streak and the Bucks are hoping to start one.

The Grizzlies will be tasked with stopping the Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo. Memphis haven’t faced a player with Antetokounmpo’s skill-set yet, but have done well holding talented forwards Blake Griffin and Carmelo Anthony to average games and even shutting down Anthony Davis.

Bucks’ Gameplan

The Bucks will look to attack the rim against the Grizzlies and use mismatches like they have in the past to beat Memphis. In recent years, the Bucks have taken advantage of who has had to guard Antetokounmpo. Antetokounmpo has used his skill against the slower Zach Randolph or used his size against guards like Tony Allen. The Bucks will probably throw a multitude of lineups against the Grizzlies to get him in better match-ups.

Expect Greg Monroe to play more than usual against the Grizzlies. If he can hold his own against Marc Gasol or Zach Randolph defensively, he’ll gain minutes for his rebounding strengths. The Grizzlies rank twentieth in rebounding, whereas the Bucks are at fifth.

Expect the Bucks to try to run the court against the Grizzlies as well. If Memphis plays two bigs in its lineup, Milwaukee will attempt to get Jabari Parker going with the fastbreak. Giannis and Jabari are one of the best duos in the league at running the fastbreak. Parker has scored his most points this year when he shoots the three. In the two games where he took six shots from behind the three-point line, he scored 27 and 33 points, respectively.

Defensively, expect the Bucks to throw Matthew Dellavedova and Malcom Brogdon at Mike Conley in an attempt to slow down the Grizzlies’ offense. The real question mark for the Bucks will be what they do to try to stop Marc Gasol. The team’s weakness is interior defense and will need someone to step on the roster to guard Gasol.

Grizzlies’ Gameplan

Nov 8, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) celebrates after scoring against the Denver Nuggets during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

As stated above, the Grizzlies will look to pound the inside. The Bucks haven’t shown to have a player who could stop either frontcourt players as savvy as Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph. Jabari Parker will likely defend Randolph to start the game. Though Parker may be fast and more athletic, Randolph has made his game by bullying opponents in the paint with his strength and I’m not sure Parker can stop him, especially given Randolph’s improved mid-range game. Greg Monroe and Mirza Teletovic aren’t known for their defense either. John Henson and Miles Plumlee may get time to try to slow down Gasol.

Don’t expect the Grizzlies to make Chandler Parsons a priority in the offense this game. Pair his recent struggles with Antetokounmpo guarding him and the Milwaukee’s ability to switch on picks and still match up well. The Bucks let Harrison Barnes get a career-high against them, so if Parsons lets his game come to him, he may break out of his slump.

Expect Coach David Fizdale to throw some lineups out that he hasn’t used all year. The Grizzlies may use less of Randolph, JaMychal Green and Jarell Martin than they have this whole year and use more of Parsons, James Ennis, Troy Williams and Tony Allen, as they provide better match-ups. They will have to prevent Antetokounmpo from getting to the lane since he has been most of the Bucks offense for the year.