Grizzlies Seek to Maintain Superiority Over Bucks Amid Trade Rumors Surrounding Ja Morant
As the NBA season progresses, the Memphis Grizzlies and Milwaukee Bucks find themselves in a pivotal matchup, both teams grappling with the implications of superstar discontent and key injuries. Their post-Christmas clash is set to unfold at the FedEx Forum, with both franchises looking to gain momentum after recent victories.
Injury Challenges for Both Teams
The Grizzlies are dealing with the potential absence of center Zach Edey, who is expected to miss at least the opening week of 2026 due to a stress reaction in his right ankle. Edey was recently diagnosed and is currently taking time off for recovery. Adding to Memphis’s challenges is point guard Ja Morant, whose name has surfaced in trade speculation. Morant has struggled to stay on the court, nursing an ankle sprain that has sidelined him for much of the past month following a stint out with a calf injury.
On the other side, the Bucks will continue to be without their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is recovering from a non-contact calf injury sustained in early December. The team, currently on a five-game road trip, has faced difficulties, having squandered a promising start in a narrow loss to Minnesota before rebounding with a decisive victory over Indiana.
Grizzlies’ Recent Form Against Struggling Teams
Despite the absence of key players, the Grizzlies have managed to thrive against sub-.500 teams, winning 10 of their last 15 games since November 20. With their depth on display, they have recorded impressive scoring outputs, including a season-high 137 points in a recent nine-point victory against Utah, where Santi Aldama contributed a remarkable 37 points.
Memphis’s track record against the Bucks has been stellar, with the Grizzlies winning their last seven encounters dating back to January 2022. In those matchups, they have often scored 122 points or more, including a 132-119 victory earlier this year, where Jaren Jackson Jr. shone with 37 points and seven three-pointers.
Upcoming Matchup Details
As the Grizzlies (14-16) host the Bucks (12-18), the stakes are high for both teams to gain traction in their respective seasons. Memphis has capitalized on its home-court advantage at the Grindhouse, with the Bucks struggling on the road, currently holding a 4-10 record away from Milwaukee.
The two teams will meet again at Fiserv Forum on April 5, raising questions about the rosters’ stability and whether key players like Antetokounmpo and Morant will be present, especially with ongoing trade talks swirling around Memphis.
Game Viewing Information
The matchup is scheduled for Friday, December 26, at 7:10 p.m. CST at the FedEx Forum in Memphis. Fans can catch the action on the FanDuel Sports Network, with radio coverage through WTMJ and WMFS-FM.
Projected Starters and Injury Reports
Grizzlies:
F Jaylen Wells
F Santi Aldama
C Jaren Jackson Jr.
G Ja Morant
G Cedric Coward
Bucks:
F Kyle Kuzma
F Bobby Portis
C Myles Turner
G Kevin Porter Jr.
G AJ Green
Injury Reports:
Grizzlies:*
Ja Morant: Questionable – Left Ankle Sprain
Cedric Coward: Questionable – Left Heel Soreness
Zach Edey: Out – Left Ankle Stress Reaction
Brandon Clarke: Out – Right Calf Strain
Bucks:*
Giannis Antetokounmpo: Out – Right Calf Strain
Gary Trent Jr.: Questionable – Left Calf Contusion
Taurean Prince: Out – Neck Surgery Recovery
Coaching Perspectives
Reflecting on his team’s recent performance, Bucks coach Doc Rivers expressed satisfaction with their win in Indiana, noting, “They played the right way, played downhill a lot, got to the paint a ton. They did everything.” However, he acknowledged areas of concern, emphasizing the need for improved spacing and tempo.
As both teams prepare for this critical encounter, the implications of injuries and trade rumors loom large, making this matchup one to watch as the new year approaches.
