The final matchup of tonight’s five-game NBA slate will take place between the Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies. Trade news and rumors are dominating the league with the deadline on the horizon but the action will continue with Giannis Antetokounmpo and company looking to defend their home court.
Milwaukee has done a nice job turning things around after a slow start to the season. The Bucks have improved their record to 26-20 which puts them at fifth place in the Eastern Conference after getting off to a 1-6 start. Bobby Portis is set to miss this game for personal reasons while several key members of the Bucks, including Antetokounmpo, are listed as probable.
There are some larger injury concerns for the Memphis Grizzlies ahead of this matchup. Ja Morant headlines the list and is doubtful for tonight’s game with a shoulder injury. In addition, Vince Williams Jr., Marcus Smart and Cam Spencer will remain out. Memphis has climbed to 32-16 on the season and sits in third place in the Western Conference.
As has become the norm for the organization, Antetokounmpo is the driving force of production for the Bucks. The two-time MVP is averaging 31.8 points, 12.2 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game. He is listed as probable with a knee issue but he enters this game having suited up for 16 consecutive matchups.
The Bucks enter this game as three-point favorites and -148 on the moneyline. The Grizzlies hold +124 odds on the moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook. The game total is set at 247.5.
With the stage set, here are my favorite Antetokounmpo prop bets ahead of the Sunday night matchup.
Best Giannis Antetokounmpo Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
Antetokounmpo’s props are listed at over/under 32.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 52.5 combined points, rebounds and assists.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 32.5 Points (-110)
Antetokounmpo enters this matchup averaging 31.8 points per game which trails only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the most in the league. He has recorded over 32.5 points in 19 of the 40 games he has played this season. The Greek Freak is also playing some of his best basketball of late and has an incredibly favorable matchup in this game.
Memphis plays at the quickest pace in the NBA and ranks 23rd in opponents’ scoring by allowing 115.7 points per game. They also are 18th in points in the paint allowed. This plays in the favor of the Bucks’ star as Antetokounmpo leads the entire NBA in transition points per game and is shooting a ridiculous 71 percent in these opportunities.
Antetokounmpo has recorded 33 or more points in seven of his last nine games. The Bucks’ star is attempting a career-high 20.9 shot attempts per game this season and getting to the free throw line 10.9 times per game.
Expect Memphis to push the pace in this game and for Antetokounmpo to benefit from these transition opportunities. He finished with 37 points on 17-of-22 shooting in the first matchup with the Grizzlies this season and has recorded over 32.5 points in four consecutive games leading into this matchup. Count on Antetokounmpo to pick up right where he left off and lead the scoring charge for this Bucks team.
Giannis Antetokounmpo to Record 40+ Points (+310)
To take it a step further, this is a matchup where I see value in a ladder for Antetokounmpo’s scoring prop. Getting +310 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook is great value and I like the Bucks superstar’s chances of reaching it tonight.
Milwaukee enters this game on a two-game losing streak and has dropped three of its past four. These have been frustrating losses, including a 26-point loss to the Spurs and 13-point loss to the Trail Blazers.
Expect a focused effort from the Bucks superstar as they attempt to get back on track in a winnable game. He has tallied as many as 59 points in a game this season and recorded over 40 points in five games. He also fell just short of tallying 39 points against the Trail Blazers two games ago.
Expect some additional shot opportunities for Antetokounmpo as the Bucks match Memphis’ up-tempo style of play. While the Grizzlies have better defensive options than a lot of teams, there is still no clear match for the combination of size and athleticism that Antetokounmpo possesses. He plays with a level of desire that few players can match, and Memphis is not talented enough defensively to slow him down. Expect him to be at the epicenter of everything Milwaukee does offensively and be in attack mode from the opening whistle. DraftKings is offering +125 odds for him to reach 35 points and getting +310 odds for the superstar to record 40+ points is great value in this matchup.
