Bucks Return Home Looking to Snap Losing Streak Against Surging Grizzlies
The Milwaukee Bucks limp back to Fiserv Forum on Sunday night after a grueling 1-3 West Coast road trip, set to host a red-hot Memphis Grizzlies squad that has historically given them trouble.
Milwaukee’s trip ended on an ugly note Friday, surrendering 144 points in a blowout loss to the Spurs. San Antonio set a season-high in scoring, fueled by Victor Wembanyama’s 30-point showcase in a head-to-head battle with Giannis Antetokounmpo, who led the Bucks with 35.
Defense—or lack thereof—was the glaring issue. Head coach Doc Rivers didn’t hold back postgame:
“We gave up 17 points in the first four minutes. That set the tone,” Rivers said. “We’ve been a great defensive team, but on this trip, we have not been. We’ve got to figure it out.”
Can the Bucks Get Right at Home?
Milwaukee’s struggles aren’t just a road trip problem—they’ve now dropped five of their last seven, failing to cover in four of those losses. Compounding the issues, key reserve Bobby Portis remains out for personal reasons, leaving the frontcourt rotation thin. Brook Lopez has been logging heavy minutes, and Rivers admitted he “looked tired” against the Spurs.
Memphis, meanwhile, has been rolling. The Grizzlies are winners of seven of their last eight and just took down the Rockets 120-119 on Thursday, even with Ja Morant (shoulder) sidelined. Desmond Bane stepped up, posting 24 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists.
“Our defense has to improve,” head coach Taylor Jenkins emphasized. “Houston exposed some things we need to clean up—shift rotations, on-ball defense, second-chance points.”
Grizzlies Have Owned This Matchup
Milwaukee hasn’t solved Memphis in years. The Grizzlies have won six straight in the series, including a 122-99 beatdown on Halloween when Lillard was held to just four points on 1-for-12 shooting.
The Grizzlies are one of the most well-rounded teams in the league, ranking top five in offensive rating, defensive rating, and net rating, while also leading the NBA in pace, distance covered per game, and average speed.
Key Player Notes & Injuries:
Milwaukee: Antetokounmpo (31.8 PPG, 12.2 RPG) and Lillard (7.3 APG) both made the All-Star team. Portis (personal) remains out, thinning the Bucks’ bench.
Memphis: Jaren Jackson Jr. (22.8 PPG) leads the charge with Bane (5.5 APG) as the top playmaker. Morant (shoulder) remains doubtful, while Smart (finger) and Williams Jr. (ankle) are also out.
