Bucks outlast Grizzlies in short-handed battle

Milwaukee wins 131-115 despite missing key players

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:03am

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The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 131-115 in a matchup between two teams dealing with significant player absences. Ryan Rollins led the Bucks with 24 points, while Grizzlies star Ja Morant recorded a triple-double in the losing effort.

Why it matters

Both the Bucks and Grizzlies have been dealing with injuries and COVID-19 protocols that have sidelined several key players this season. This game highlighted the depth and resilience of these two top NBA teams as they navigate a challenging campaign.

The details

The Bucks were without All-Stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, while the Grizzlies were missing Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane. Despite the absences, the game remained competitive throughout, with the Bucks pulling away late to secure the victory.

  • The game was played on April 6, 2026.

The players

Ryan Rollins

A second-year guard for the Milwaukee Bucks who scored a team-high 24 points in the win.

Ja Morant

The star point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, who recorded a triple-double in the losing effort.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The two-time MVP and centerpiece of the Milwaukee Bucks, who missed the game due to injury.

Khris Middleton

The All-Star forward for the Milwaukee Bucks, who was also sidelined for this game.

Jaren Jackson Jr.

The young star big man for the Memphis Grizzlies, who was unavailable for this contest.

Desmond Bane

The rising guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, who was also out of the lineup for this game.

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What they’re saying

“Our guys really stepped up and played hard tonight. It was a tough game, but we found a way to get the win.”

— Mike Budenholzer, Head Coach, Milwaukee Bucks

“We fought hard, but just couldn't overcome all the guys we were missing. Proud of the effort from the whole team.”

— Taylor Jenkins, Head Coach, Memphis Grizzlies

What’s next

The Bucks will look to build on this win as they continue their push for playoff positioning, while the Grizzlies will aim to get healthy and regain their form in the final weeks of the regular season.

The takeaway

This game showcased the depth and resilience of the Bucks and Grizzlies, two of the NBA's top teams, as they navigated key player absences. It highlighted the challenges teams face in managing injuries and COVID-19 protocols during a grueling season.