The Memphis Grizzlies (13-15) face the Oklahoma City Thunder (25-3) in a Western Conference matchup that pits a Grizzlies team battling injuries and inconsistency against a Thunder squad looking to rebound from a recent loss while maintaining their elite defensive identity. Oklahoma City, playing at home, aims to extend their dominance in the series, leveraging Chet Holmgren’s potential return and a top-ranked defense (allowing under 100 points per game recently). Memphis, on a mixed run, hopes to exploit any Thunder absences with Ja Morant’s playmaking, but their depleted frontcourt could struggle against OKC’s size. This game could feature low scoring if defenses prevail, but OKC’s pace might push it over if Memphis turns it into a track meet.
Venue Location
The game will be held at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This modern arena, opened in 2002 and renovated in 2021, has a seating capacity of 18,203 for basketball and is known for its high-energy crowd, advanced video boards, and elevation advantage at over 1,200 feet.
Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. CT). The game will be broadcast on Bally Sports Oklahoma for Thunder coverage and Bally Sports Southeast for Grizzlies fans, with streaming available via NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with significant absences, with Memphis’ backcourt and frontcourt hit hard, potentially forcing reliance on depth, while Oklahoma City’s perimeter defense could be vulnerable if key guards sit.
Memphis Grizzlies Injuries:
Ja Morant (PG): Out (ankle sprain); a massive blow to playmaking and scoring.
Zach Edey (C): Out (ankle stress reaction); weakens rim protection.
Brandon Clarke (PF): Out (calf strain); impacts energy and rebounding.
Ty Jerome (PG): Out (calf strain); thins guard rotation.
Oklahoma City Thunder Injuries:
Ousmane Dieng (F): Out (until Dec 23, undisclosed); minimal impact.
Jaylin Williams (F): Out (until Dec 23, undisclosed); affects frontcourt depth.
Alex Caruso (G): Game-time decision (undisclosed); key for perimeter defense.
Aaron Wiggins (G): Game-time decision (undisclosed); impacts wing scoring.
Chet Holmgren (C): Questionable (lower back spasms); a concerning update that could limit interior presence.
Player Matchups to Watch
Injuries elevate these duels, with frontcourt battles and perimeter defense potentially deciding the pace in a game favoring Denver’s altitude.
Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM) vs. Chet Holmgren (OKC, if active): Jackson’s versatility (20+ PPG) tests Holmgren’s length, key for paint control without Edey.
Desmond Bane (MEM) vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC): Bane’s shooting faces SGA’s scoring (30+ PPG), a guard battle dictating tempo.
Marcus Smart (MEM) vs. Luguentz Dort (OKC): Smart’s defense vs. Dort’s energy, crucial if Caruso sits.
Santi Aldama (MEM) vs. Jalen Williams (OKC): Aldama’s spacing exploits Williams’ matchups amid absences.
Luke Kennard (MEM) vs. Isaiah Joe (OKC): Kennard’s three-point threat vs. Joe’s shooting, potentially opening floors.
Team Records
Memphis Grizzlies: 13-15 overall, mid-pack in the Southwest Division.
Oklahoma City Thunder: 25-3 overall, leading the Northwest Division.
Recent Team Forms
Oklahoma City shows elite consistency, while Memphis mixes wins with defensive lapses.
Memphis Grizzlies (Last 5 Games): Averaging 115.4 points scored and 115.8 allowed, with a 3-2 record. Form: L-W-L-W-W.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 20 | vs. Washington | L 122-130 |
| Dec 15 | @ LA Clippers | W 121-103 |
| Dec 12 | vs. Utah | L 126-130 |
| Dec 7 | vs. Portland | W 119-96 |
| Dec 5 | vs. LA Clippers | W 107-98 |
Oklahoma City Thunder (Last 5 Games): Averaging 121.4 points scored and 112 allowed, with a 3-2 record. Form: L-W-W-W-L.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 20 | vs. Houston | L 101-115 |
| Dec 18 | vs. LA Clippers | W 122-101 |
| Dec 13 | vs. San Antonio | W (not detailed, win) |
| Dec 10 | vs. Phoenix | W (not detailed, win) |
| Dec 5 | @ Dallas | L 111-132 |
Series History
The Thunder lead the all-time regular-season series 61-48 in 109 games, with a 55.9% win rate. Recent trends heavily favor Oklahoma City, winning 5 straight, including a 129-93 blowout. At Paycom Center, OKC is undefeated vs. Memphis in the last 3 home games. Games average 205.8 combined points recently, trending under in defensive battles.
Betting Trends
Trends: Memphis is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games. The under has hit in 11 of Memphis’ last 16 games. OKC has hit the moneyline in 63 of their last 76 games (+24.75 units / 6% ROI). Grizzlies are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games.
Game Odds
Memphis Grizzlies 230.5
Oklahoma City Thunder – 15.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, December 21, 2025
