The Milwaukee Bucks face the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, December 26, at FedExForum with tipoff at 8:00 p.m. ET. Both teams are looking to strengthen their positions in the Western Conference standings.
Milwaukee holds a 12-18 record and comes off a 111-94 win over Indiana, snapping a two-game skid. Memphis stands at 14-16 and also enters the contest with a 137-128 victory over Utah.
The teams have not met this season, making Friday’s matchup a fresh head-to-head contest.
Injury issues impact both sides. Milwaukee will be without Giannis Antetokounmpo due to a right calf strain, while Taurean Prince remains sidelined after neck surgery. Gary Trent Jr. is questionable with a left calf contusion, and Alex Antetokounmpo is out as a G League two-way player.
Memphis is missing several contributors, including Brandon Clarke (right calf strain), Zach Edey (left ankle stress reaction), Ty Jerome (right calf strain), John Konchar (thumb surgery), Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe surgery), and Vince Williams Jr. (patellar tendinitis). Ja Morant is listed as questionable with a left ankle sprain. Cedric Coward is questionable with left heel soreness.
Milwaukee relies on Kevin Porter Jr., who averages 20.4 points and 7.5 assists per game, and Ryan Rollins, adding 17.2 points alongside 5.8 assists. Myles Turner and Kyle Kuzma provide scoring and rim protection, while Bobby Portis contributes 12.5 points and 6.2 rebounds.
Memphis will depend on Jaren Jackson Jr., who posts 17.8 points with 5.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. Ja Morant’s availability is pivotal for the Grizzlies’ playmaking, while Santi Aldama and Cedric Coward add scoring and rebounding. Cam Spencer’s 49.3 percent three-point shooting boosts spacing for the offense.
