OKC Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzles Game Preview

It is finally here. The NBA Playoffs.

After a season of wire-to-wire dominance that netted the Oklahoma City Thunder 68 wins in a historic season. OKC earned the most double-digit wins in a single season in NBA history, giving them the best point differential of all time. Rather than falling into the top seed via tiebreakers, the Thunder lapped the field in a tough Western Conference.

Oklahoma City dominated the Memphis Grizzlies in the regular season, winning by over 18 points per game en route to a 4-0 regular season sweep. They hope to repeat that in the playoffs.

It all starts on Sunday as Game 1 tips off inside the Paycom Center.

OKC Thunder, Memphis Grizzlie — Mar 5, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dribbles as Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) defends during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

ODDS:

The Thunder enter the day as 13-point favorites against the Memphis Grizzlies, and the total over/under is 229 points, according to FanDuel.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

The Oklahoma City Thunder have to shoot the ball well from beyond the arc. Not only will this be a theme all postseason long, but especially against the Memphis Grizzlies. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey will pack the paint and dare the supporting cast of Oklahoma City to beat them. If the Thunder's co-stars can come through, it will loosen up Memphis and allow the rim to open up.

Turnovers will be massive in this game, Oklahoma City has done a great job all season long at protecting the ball while creating chaos on the defenisve end. If the Grizzlies have too many giveaways, things could get ugly in a year inside the Paycom Center.

How the Thunder handle Zach Edey down-low will be a massive storyline. If the Thunder find success containing Edey to just loud rebounding numbers and not much else while avoiding foul trouble it will be a long night for Memphis.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams need big nights. While everyone can get lost in the weeds during playoff series, if they out perform Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, that should be enough for a win. Memphis is too shallow to overcome an off scoring night from either party against a team like Oklahoma City.

Playoff Series RECORDS:

Oklahoma City Thunder (0-0) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (0-0)

INJURIES:

Oklahoma City Thunder Injury Report

Ousmane Dieng –– Calf: OUT

Nikola Topic –– ACL: OUT

Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report

GG Jackson –– Personal: OUT

Brandon Clarke –– Knee: OUT

Jaylen Wells –– Wrist: OUT

Check out later today for an updated injury report.

WHEN:

Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 12:00 PM CT

LOCATION:

Paycom Center - Oklahoma City, OK

TV/RADIO:

ABC, NBA League Pass, 98.1 FM The Sports Animal

FINAL WORD:

This first game of the series is simply a baseline. That will not save any overreactions from whatever the results may be. However, look no further than the last two playoff series the Thunder played in. The Pelicans took Oklahoma City down to the wire before an uncompetitive series sweep by the Thunder. On the flip side, the Bricktown ballers blew out the Mavericks in Game 1 before falling in six games in the second round.

Up next, these two teams get back together in the Paycom Center on Tuesday with tip-off for Game 2 slated for 6:30 PM.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
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