Memphis Grizzlies look to capitalize on Giannis’ absence against undermanned Bucks
After a brief respite, the Memphis Grizzlies return to the court on Friday, poised to face a Milwaukee Bucks team that is notably depleted without their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo. The recent Christmas Day festivities provided a welcome break for many teams, but now the league is in for a lengthy stretch leading up to the All-Star break. For Memphis, this matchup presents a unique opportunity to inch closer to .500.
Navigating the Bucks’ Offensive Adjustments
With Antetokounmpo sidelined, the Bucks are leaning heavily on Kevin Porter Jr. to shoulder the offensive burden. Porter has quietly established himself as a reliable playmaker, boasting a commendable 2.2 assist-to-turnover ratio while effectively penetrating the lane. His ability to draw defenders creates opportunities for his teammates, particularly Bobby Portis and Myles Turner, who are key scoring options in this new setup.
The Grizzlies must focus on limiting Porter’s options, particularly by not allowing help defenders to stray from AJ Green. As Milwaukee’s most effective long-range shooter, Green has been on fire, connecting on 45.1 percent of his three-point attempts this season. Keeping a tight leash on these two players will be crucial for Memphis.
Emphasizing Movement and Transition Play
Defensively, the Bucks have been formidable, ranking among the top six in the league over the past five games. This makes it essential for the Grizzlies to maintain active ball and body movement to create scoring opportunities. The Bucks have excelled at stifling transition plays, so Memphis must be cautious not to commit turnovers that could lead to easy baskets for Milwaukee.
Jaren Jackson Jr. plays a pivotal role in this strategy. He must be reliable in catch-and-shoot situations to exploit defensive lapses when Milwaukee collapses to help. Additionally, Jackson needs to assert himself in the paint to draw defenders and create space for his teammates. A strong performance from Santi Aldama would also prove beneficial; after his impressive outing in Utah, where he drained seven three-pointers, the Grizzlies could consider a frontcourt arrangement that features him alongside two other bigs to stretch the floor.
Leveraging Bench Strength for Success
Despite facing their own challenges, the Grizzlies have the league’s highest-scoring bench, averaging 48 points per game. This depth will be crucial against a Bucks team that excels at limiting second-chance points. Memphis must not only capitalize on extra possessions but also ensure that their bench contributes significantly to controlling the glass and forcing turnovers.
As the Grizzlies step onto the court, they have an opportunity to make a statement against a Milwaukee squad that, while formidable, is not at full strength. With the right strategy and execution, this game could serve as a significant step forward in their quest for improvement in a marathon season.
