NBA Playoff Game Preview: Memphis Grizzlies vs Oklahoma City Thunder

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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.

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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

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NBA Editor
NBA Editor
https://sportsgamingjournal.com/category/nba/
Profile: A dedicated NBA analyst with a comprehensive understanding of the league’s tactical evolution, player development pipelines, and organizational dynamics. This columnist delivers in‑depth coverage that blends film study, advanced metrics, and historical context to explain how teams and stars shape the modern game. Background: With extensive experience covering professional basketball, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets, digital platforms, and radio segments focused on roster construction, coaching philosophy, and league‑wide trends. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and breaking down the nuances of an 82‑game season. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and matchup analysis Film‑based breakdowns of offensive and defensive schemes Player evaluation, draft analysis, and trade‑deadline movement Team‑building strategy, salary‑cap dynamics, and front‑office trends Historical context and postseason features Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex schemes and statistical models into insights that resonate with both casual fans and analytically driven readers. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the NBA’s fast‑moving, star‑driven landscape.