Grizzlies Visit Bucks for Final Game of Preseason

Before their season opener against New Orleans next week, the Memphis Grizzlies will travel to Milwaukee on Friday to battle the Bucks in their final game of the preseason. The game is available on Bally Sports cable channels or on Bally Sports streaming apps, with audio via 92.9FM / ESPN as well. 

The game will feature a new look for both teams. First, the blockbuster trade of the summer will be on display, as Grizzlies fans will get a close look at the electricity of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, a duo that seems to complement each other well. Further, Adrian Griffin, a rookie head coach, is at the helm for Milwaukee. Griffin and Lillard, a Top 75 player of all time and elite shooter, add dimensions to the Bucks’ perimeter play that fans of both teams will be interested in seeing. 

Notably, Marcus Smart will make his debut for the Grizzlies, having missed the entirety of preseason until now with a non-specific abdominal strain. Messaging from the front office has suggested precaution with Smart’s minor injury, and that it will not be a hindrance going forward into the start of the season. Smart, exchanged for Tyus Jones and draft capital over the summer, averaged 11.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists in Boston last season. Keep an eye on lineups and actions he might be involved in, as both a secondary playmaker and previous Defensive Player of the Year. 

On the other side, Khris Middleton will make his debut for the Bucks, as well. Middleton struggled with injuries throughout the previous year, and will likely be looking to build chemistry alongside Antetokounmpo and Lillard. Middleton will be a key shot creator for the Bucks when defensive attention is on the superstar duo of Giannis and Lillard.

Ultimately, new lineups will define both sides of the matchup tonight, as each team will experiment with new offensive and defensive schemes in an effort to integrate additions. Likewise, pay attention to the young breakout candidates on each team as well. Ziaire Williams and MarJon Beauchamp are both young players who can have a significant impact on their respective teams this season. Eyes will be on them in this one. Depth has also been a question for both sides, as one team has a suspension and the other lost key pieces in a trade, yet Beauchamp and Williams could be the answers.

Memphis will likely start Marcus Smart alongside Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane. Similarly, Middleton will likely start alongside Antetokounmpo and Lopez. The rest of the starters will be determined based on what each team wants to see with their little preseason time left, including either new lineup combinations or reinforcement of what’s been seen already. 

Watch for the Grizzlies’ defense, as they now feature the last two DPOY’s. Additionally, pay attention the their half court offense, too, as it might reveal the complexion of the first 25 Ja-less games. A Bucks team with Damian Lillard will be quite the challenge for the Grizzlies, who take great pride on defense, and fans will get a sneak peek at assignments and coverages.

If you can’t catch the game tonight, don’t worry too much– the Grizzlies return to action in their season debut against the New Orleans Pelicans next Wednesday, October 25th.