The Oklahoma City Thunder and Memphis Grizzlies are set to face off in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. With the Thunder leading the series 2-0, the Grizzlies are in a must-win situation to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Game Details
- Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
- Time: 8:30 PM CT
- Venue: FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee
- Broadcast: TNT, FanDuel Sports Network Memphis
Team Overview
Oklahoma City Thunder
- Regular Season Record: 68-14 (1st seed in the Western Conference)
- Key Players:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Averaging 26 points per game in the playoffs, SGA has been the Thunder’s offensive leader despite a slightly underwhelming Game 2 performance.
- Jalen Williams: Emerging as a reliable No. 2 option, Williams has impressed with his scoring, facilitation, and defense.
- Chet Holmgren: Dominating the paint with his rebounding and shot-blocking, Holmgren has been a key factor in the Thunder’s success.
Memphis Grizzlies
- Regular Season Record: 44-38 (8th seed in the Western Conference)
- Key Players:
- Ja Morant: Struggling to find consistency, Morant needs a breakout performance to spark the Grizzlies’ offense.
- Jaren Jackson Jr.: Leading the team in scoring with 22 points in Game 2, Jackson has been Memphis’ most reliable player in the series.
- Desmond Bane: Known for his sharpshooting, Bane must step up to provide additional scoring support.
Series Recap
- Game 1: The Thunder delivered a historic 131-80 blowout, marking the fifth-largest margin of victory in NBA playoff history. Jalen Williams led the charge with 20 points, while the Grizzlies struggled offensively, shooting just 37% from the field.
- Game 2: Memphis showed improvement but still fell short, losing 118-99. Despite Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 22 points and Ja Morant’s 12 points, the Grizzlies couldn’t overcome the Thunder’s balanced attack, led by Gilgeous-Alexander’s 27 points.
Key Matchups
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Ja Morant: Both stars are critical to their teams’ success, and their head-to-head battle will likely shape the outcome of Game 3.
- Jalen Williams vs. Jaren Jackson Jr.: Williams’ versatility and Jackson’s scoring ability make this an intriguing matchup.
- Chet Holmgren vs. Memphis’ Frontcourt: Holmgren’s dominance in the paint has been a major advantage for OKC, and Memphis must find a way to counter his impact.
Game Outlook
The Thunder have dominated the series thus far, showcasing their depth and defensive prowess. Memphis, however, will look to capitalize on their home-court advantage and make adjustments to slow down OKC’s offense. The Grizzlies must improve their shooting efficiency and limit turnovers to stay competitive.
Game Odds
Oklahoma City Thunder – 9
Memphis Grizzlies 226.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, April 23, 2025
