The energy in FedExForum on December 26, 2025, wasn't just about a post-holiday basketball fix. It was weirdly tense. You’ve got the Memphis Grizzlies, a team that seems to be glued together by grit and tape, facing a Milwaukee Bucks squad that honestly looks like it’s searching for its soul. People kept talking about the star power, but the real story was who wasn't there and how that changed everything.
Memphis walked away with a 125-104 victory. If you just look at the score, you might think it was a routine blowout. It wasn't. It was a tactical dismantling.
Why Memphis Grizzlies vs Bucks Isn't Just About Giannis Anymore
For years, this matchup was the "Giannis vs. Ja" show. A collision of impossible physics. But on that Friday night, Giannis Antetokounmpo was a spectator, sidelined by a right calf strain that’s been bothering him since early December. When the Greek Freak isn't on the floor, the Bucks become a completely different, and frankly, less terrifying animal.
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They’ve struggled. Milwaukee entered the game at 12-18, a record that would have been unthinkable two seasons ago. Without Giannis, and with Taurean Prince out following neck surgery, the Bucks' frontcourt was basically a revolving door.
The Return of Ja Morant
On the other side, Ja Morant was the big question mark. He’d been dealing with a left ankle sprain, missing four straight games. When the news dropped that he was starting, the vibe shifted. He didn't play 40 minutes—they kept him to about 21 to 25 minutes—but his impact was immediate.
He finished with 12 points and 8 assists, but those numbers don't capture the gravity he has. When Ja is on the court, defenders have to cheat toward the paint. That opens up the perimeter for guys like Cam Spencer and Jaren Jackson Jr. to just feast.
What Really Happened: The Breakdown
The Grizzlies didn't win because of one person. They won because their "next man up" philosophy actually works. Santi Aldama and Jaren Jackson Jr. have developed this chemistry that feels almost telepathic. While Milwaukee was trying to figure out who their primary option was—spoiler: AJ Green led them with 20 points—Memphis was just running their sets.
The Shooting Gap
Milwaukee actually shoots the three-pointer remarkably well. They came into this game ranked third in the NBA in 3P% at nearly 40%.
- Milwaukee Bucks: 14-of-39 from deep (35.9%)
- Memphis Grizzlies: 38.2% from three
It wasn't that Milwaukee shot poorly; it's that they couldn't stop Memphis from getting whatever they wanted inside. The Grizzlies out-rebounded the Bucks significantly. It’s hard to win when you're giving up second-chance points to a team as athletic as Memphis. Bobby Portis grabbed 12 boards for the Bucks, but he was often a lone island in the paint.
The New-Look Milwaukee Roster
If you haven't been following the Bucks closely, the lineup might confuse you. Kevin Porter Jr. and Kyle Kuzma are carrying a huge load now. Kuzma had 15 points and 8 rebounds, but he struggled with the Grizzlies' length. Myles Turner was also out there, but he only managed 8 points on 2-of-11 shooting.
It feels like a team in transition. They have the pieces, but the fit is... clunky. Especially when the defensive anchor (Giannis) is wearing a tracksuit on the bench.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Bucks: The Historical Trend Nobody Mentions
Everyone talks about Milwaukee being a "powerhouse," but did you know Memphis has actually dominated this series lately? Including this December 2025 win, the Grizzlies have won seven straight matchups against the Bucks.
The last time Milwaukee beat Memphis was back in January 2022. That is a massive mental hurdle. Even when the Bucks had a healthy Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez earlier in 2025, they still dropped a game 132-119 to Memphis.
The Grizzlies just seem to have their number. They play a fast, disruptive style that forces the Bucks into turnovers. In this latest game, Milwaukee coughed the ball up 22 times. You can't beat a middle-school team with 22 turnovers, let alone a Ja Morant-led NBA squad.
Key Takeaways for the Next Matchup
If you're looking ahead to their next meeting—which is set for April 5, 2026, at Fiserv Forum—keep these points in mind:
- Transition Points: Memphis lives on the break. If Milwaukee doesn't fix their floor balance, the result will be the same.
- The Giannis Factor: Milwaukee's entire defensive scheme is built around Giannis roaming. Without him, Myles Turner is left on an island, and Memphis's guards are too fast for that.
- Bench Depth: The Grizzlies' bench, featuring guys like Cedric Coward and GG Jackson, is outperforming the Bucks' reserves.
- Health is Everything: Both teams have been decimated by injuries. By April, we might finally see both rosters at 100%.
To really understand where these teams are headed, keep an eye on the injury reports about 48 hours before tip-off. For the Bucks, it's all about that calf recovery for Giannis. For the Grizzlies, it's seeing if Ja Morant can stay on the floor for a full month without a tweak.
Track the turnover differential in the first quarter of the next game. If Milwaukee keeps it under four, they have a chance. If they start throwing the ball into the stands again, Memphis will run them out of the building.
Monitor the spread movement on major sportsbooks like FanDuel or DraftKings leading up to the April 5th game. Usually, the "Giannis tax" inflates the Bucks' line, but with the Grizzlies winning seven straight, the smart money has been trending toward Memphis even as underdogs. Check the "Points in the Paint" stat immediately after the first half; it has been the most consistent indicator of who will cover the spread in this specific rivalry over the last two seasons.