Surging Grizzlies host sinking Bucks

(SportsNetwork.com) - The Memphis Grizzlies have been the hottest team in the league, outside of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and will try to keep the momentum going Saturday night when they host the hapless Milwaukee Bucks at FedExForum.

The Grizzlies have won five straight and 10 of their last 11. They are now firmly in the mix for a playoff spot in the Western Conference and it's no coincidence.

Since reigning Defensive Player of the Year and All-Star center Marc Gasol returned from a knee injury, the Grizz have gone 8-1.

Zach Randolph poured in 26 points and pulled down 12 rebounds to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 94-90 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.

Courtney Lee added 16 points, and Tayshaun Prince finished with 11 for the Grizzlies.

"This is huge for us, especially for the goals we have as far as making that playoff push," Lee said. "It definitely builds momentum."

It wasn't all positive for Memphis, however, as star guard Mike Conley left the game in the third quarter with an apparent left ankle injury. Conley landed awkwardly on his left foot and it rolled under him before falling to the floor in obvious pain. Conley was carried off the court and to the locker room and did not return.

"I can put weight on it now," Conley said after the game. "Tomorrow is looking iffy, but hopefully after some treatment tonight and the next day we will go from there."

He had 12 points and eight assists before exiting.

The Bucks lost their fifth in a row and for the 14th time in their last 15 games on Friday night when they fell to the Orlando Magic, 113-102, at Amway Center.

Caron Butler scored 20 points to lead Milwaukee, which dropped its eighth straight on the road. Giannis Antetokounmpo notched 15 points with seven rebounds and Gary Neal tallied 13 points in defeat.

The last time Milwaukee left Orlando with a victory was a 111-105 decision on Dec. 29, 2004.

The Magic led by 24 after three quarters, but Milwaukee fought back in the fourth. The Bucks outscored Orlando, 38-25, over the final 12 minutes to make the final appear interesting.

"It was frustrating, but you have to keep playing," Bucks forward Khris Middleton said. "Sometimes you put yourself in a position to win and sometimes you can't."

The Grizzlies beat the Bucks in Milwaukee on Jan. 15 and have taken six in a row in this series. The Bucks are 4-6 in their last 10 visits to Memphis.