Bucks and Grizzlies Close Out Seeding Game Schedule
The Milwaukee Bucks take on the Memphis Grizzlies in an NBA seeding game in Orlando on Thursday afternoon.

The Bucks (56-16) have long sewn up the top seed in the Eastern Conference and will likely be looking to just get through Thursday's game with all key pieces healthy. It remains to be seen what mix of players will ultimately take the floor, but coach Mike Budenholzer will likely try to get his stars that are healthy at least some work. Milwaukee was successful its most recent time on the floor, as they upended the Washington Wizards by a 126-113 score on Tuesday night, a game in which Giannis Antetokounmpo was ejected for headbutting after playing just 10 minutes. Brook Lopez paced the Bucks with 24 points ,adding three rebounds. Sterling Brown followed with 23 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal in 30 minutes off the bench. Frank Mason registered 19 points, six assists, five rebounds and two steals. D.J. Wilson managed 11 points and five rebounds, while Patrick Connaughton finished with 10 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one steal.

The Bucks will likely list Eric Bledsoe (knee), Khris Middleton (rest), Wesley Matthews (hip) and Donte DiVincenzo (elbow) as no better than questionable after all four missed Tuesday's contest against the Wizards.

The Grizzlies (33-39) have almost squandered a golden opportunity in the restarted season, as they lost the hold they had on the No. 8 seed by dropping six of their first seven games in Orlando. They'll enter Thursday needing a win to have a chance at facing the Trail Blazers in a play-in game to determine the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Memphis' most recent stumble came against the Boston Celtics, which toppled them by a 122-107 score on Tuesday night. Ja Morant led the way for the Grizzlies with a 26-point, 13-assist double-double that also included four rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Brandon Clarke furnished 15 points, six rebounds, one assist and one block. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included steals. Dillon Brooks matched Valanciunas' scoring tally while adding three assists and two rebounds. Grayson Allen led the bench with 12 points, five boards, two assists and one steal.

The Grizzlies will likely list Tyus Jones (knee) as out for Thursday's game.

The two teams have met once previously this season, with the Bucks notching a 127-114 win back on Dec. 13.
Posted on: 8/12/2020 12:28 PM