NBA Playoff Game Preview: Memphis Grizzlies vs Oklahoma City Thunder

The Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder are set to face off in Game 1 of their Western Conference First Round playoff series on April 20, 2025, at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The Thunder enter the series as the No. 1 seed, while the Grizzlies secured the No. 8 seed after winning their play-in game against Dallas.

Team Overview & Season Performance

Oklahoma City Thunder (68-14, No. 1 Seed)

• The Thunder finished with the best record in the NBA, securing home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the team with 30.1 points per game, solidifying his MVP candidacy.
• Chet Holmgren has been a defensive force, averaging 2.5 blocks per game.
• Oklahoma City swept the season series 4-0 against Memphis, winning each game by double digits.

Memphis Grizzlies (48-34, No. 8 Seed)

• The Grizzlies fought their way into the playoffs, defeating Dallas in the play-in tournament.
• Ja Morant has been battling injuries, but Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. have stepped up offensively.
• Memphis ranks sixth in the NBA in transition points per 100 possessions, but Oklahoma City has the best transition defense in the league.
• The Grizzlies fired head coach Taylor Jenkins late in the season, with Tuomas Iisalo taking over as interim coach.

Key Matchups & X-Factors

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Memphis’ Defense

• SGA has dominated Memphis all season, averaging 32.5 points per game against them.
• The Grizzlies will need Jaren Jackson Jr. to step up defensively to slow him down.

Ja Morant’s Health

• Morant suffered an ankle sprain in the play-in game and is questionable for Game 1.
• If he’s limited, Memphis will rely heavily on Desmond Bane to carry the scoring load.

Three-Point Shooting Battle

• The Thunder rank third in the NBA in three-point percentage, while Memphis has struggled from deep.
• If Oklahoma City’s shooters stay hot, Memphis could have trouble keeping up.

Game Odds

Memphis Grizzlies                          226.5

Oklahoma City Thunder                – 12.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, April 19, 2025