Can the Memphis Grizzlies contain the Greek Freak and the young Bucks? Follow along as we continue our ‘Opposing Views’ series.
With the Eastern Conference becoming weaker and weaker, those who missed the playoffs last year are looking to sneak in this year. Those already in a good position to make the playoffs will look to bolster their record with the lower level conference competition.
Enter the Milwaukee Bucks.
In the 2016-2017 season, the Bucks finished with an overall record of 42-40, placing them sixth in the Eastern Conference. In their playoff matchup against the third-seed Toronto Raptors, Milwaukee lost the series in six games.
Looking at the starting lineup and the sixth man, ages vary from 22-27. The youngest player is rising superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. With such a young core – if this team can remain healthy – the sky is the limit.
Starting Lineup & 6th Man
PG – Malcolm Brogdon (2016-17 Rookie of the Year)
SG – Khris Middleton
SF – Tony Snell
PF – Giannis Antetokounmpo
C – Greg Monroe
6th Man – Jabari Parker
Can the Memphis Grizzlies keep up with this team? Will the Greek Freak be too much to handle?
Advantage For The Bucks
As stated above, the Bucks are a younger team, especially when compared to the Grizzlies. It’s likely the Bucks athleticism and energy will prove challenging for Memphis. More specifically, the speed, size and athleticism of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Giannis has the fitting nickname: “The Greek Freak.” Standing at 6’11” and weighing 222 pounds, Antetokounmpo has the size and skill of an NBA big man while also having the ball-handling skills and court vision of an NBA guard. Not to mention, he possesses the athleticism of someone on Russell Westbrook’s level.
Just like many teams in the NBA, the Memphis Grizzlies will have trouble containing “The Greek Freak” this season and will have to find a way to force the rest of the Bucks to make plays. Hopefully, Coach Fizdale has to create some sort of gameplan to corral Giannis just long enough to escape with a victory.
Advantage For The Grizzlies
For the Memphis Grizzlies to come away with a victory, not only will Antetokounmpo need to be contained, but the veterans have to control the game.
Experience is invaluable when facing quicker, stronger and more athletic teams. As cliché as this may sound, Memphis has to rely on their instincts and just make the right plays. Don’t get sucked into the run-and-gun tempo that many younger teams in the NBA prefer nowadays.
And not to sound like a broken record, but an offensively aggressive Big Spain always goes a long way!
Next: Opposing Views: Miami Heat
Closing Remarks
Last season, Memphis and Milwaukee split the series 1-1 with the home team winning each matchup.
The Memphis Grizzlies could sweep this series with the help of a healthy Chandler Parsons – and rest of the roster.