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USATSI

The Memphis Grizzlies (19-36) are hosting the Milwaukee Bucks (35-20) in a matchup on Thursday evening. This is the first contest of the year between these clubs. The Grizzlies have won three straight games over the Bucks, and in the last matchup in April 2023, Memphis defeated Milwaukee 137-114. Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is listed as questionable for Milwaukee, while Jaren Jackson Jr. (quadriceps) is doubtful for Memphis.

Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn. Milwaukee is an 11.5-point favorite in the latest Bucks vs. Grizzlies odds via SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points scored is 223. Before making any Grizzlies vs. Bucks picks, you'll want to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer model at SportsLine.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past five-plus seasons. The model enters Week 17 of the 2023-24 NBA season on a sizzling 55-35 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning more than $1,800. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Bucks vs. Grizzlies. You can head to SportsLine now to see its picks. Here are several NBA betting lines and trends for Grizzlies vs. Bucks:

  • Bucks vs. Grizzlies spread: Milwaukee -11.5
  • Bucks vs. Grizzlies over/under: 223 points 
  • Bucks vs. Grizzlies money line: Milwaukee -662, Memphis +473
  • MIL: The Bucks are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 games
  • MEM: The Grizzlies are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games
  • Bucks vs. Grizzlies picks: See picks at SportsLine

Why the Bucks can cover

Guard Damian Lillard is still one of the best players in the game. Lillard has great court vision as a passer but has the skill set to create his shot from all over the floor. The eight-time All-Star averages 24.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and a team-high 6.7 assists per game. In the Feb. 9 win over the Hornets, Lillard recorded 26 points and eight dimes.

Center Brook Lopez is a valuable asset due to his perimeter shooting and shot-blocking. Lopez will stretch the floor and use his size to be a smooth rim protector defensively. The Stanford product averages 13 points, 5.5 rebounds, and a career-high 2.7 blocks per game. On Feb. 8, Lopez logged 12 points, five rebounds, and two blocks. See who to back at SportsLine

Why the Grizzlies can cover

Forward Gregory Jackson has provided an unexpected spark for Memphis. The second-round rookie has shown a nice outside touch as he's knocking down 39.1% of his 3-point attempts. Jackson is averaging 19.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks over his last five games, scoring in double-figures in each of them. Jackson tied career highs with nine rebounds and three blocks in his last game, to go along with 20 points.

Guard Luke Kennard (questionable) has been a knockdown sniper on the perimeter. Kennard moves well without the ball and excels as a spot-up shooter. The Duke product is averaging 10.5 points and 3.0 assists, while shooting 44% from beyond the arc. In his last matchup, Kennard tallied 19 points and went 4-of-6 from 3-point land. See who to back at SportsLine

How to make Grizzlies vs. Bucks picks

SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total, projecting the teams to combine for 230 points. The model also says one side hits in over 50% of simulations. You can only see the picks at SportsLine

So who wins Bucks vs. Grizzlies, and which side of the spread hits over 50% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Grizzlies vs. Bucks spread you need to jump on, all from the model on a 55-35 roll on top-rated NBA picks this season, and find out.