Now OKC heads into Memphis with an extended injury report, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, leaving the Thunder shorthanded when it comes to offensive production. This should be a good opportunity for Jalen Williams to take the lead, and with how often he’s struggled since returning to play, perhaps he can shake off some more rust and get back to being the true second threat that the Thunder desperately needs right now.
I think OKC’s speed will allow the Thunder to play at a pace that they prefer, and what they lack in rebounding, they should be able to make up for in backcourt and perimeter defense, so I’m taking OKC to cover.
View More Thunder Against the Spread | OKC Slightly Favored in Memphis With Both Teams Missing Guys
The Oklahoma City Thunder got back on track on Friday night as they handily defeated the Sacramento Kings 132-101. Isaiah Hartenstein had a career night with 33 points, 19 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks; and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added his 5th game of the season where he scored at least 30 points in under 30 minutes. Now, OKC is set to wrap up a 4-game road trip in Memphis with a Sunday meeting against the Grizzlies.
View More Oklahoma City Thunder | Game #11 Preview: Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies are lacking a lot of depth right now, an area where OKC excels, even when injured. The Thunder’s shooting has vastly improved since the rough start to the season, which has fueled the offense in a lot of ways, and Memphis is not a great defensive team right now. I don’t think OKC struggles to slow down the Grizzlies, either. I’m thinking this might be another fourth-quarter full of rest for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
View More Thunder Against the Spread | Thunder Favored Big Headed Into Memphis
The Thunder had plenty of issues in Game 3, mostly in the first half, but their resilience to never back down and keep playing the game was on center stage. Mistakes weren’t nearly as plentiful in the second half, and it still feels like OKC has some work to do yet. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has had a less-than-stellar first round, which would be concerning if the team defense wasn’t so impressive, but it would still be nice to see him put together a quality game and close out the Grizzlies as soon as possible.
View More Oklahoma City Thunder | Western Conference First Round Game 4: Memphis Grizzlies
OKC did the unthinkable in Game 3 by coming back to win after trailing by 29 in the first half. With Ja Morant unable to go for Game 4 after suffering a hard fall in Game 3, the Grizzlies have what seems to be an insurmountable situation. The Thunder struggled in the first half of Game 3, but I expect they learned their lesson and will come out ready to close out the series and enjoy some rest ahead of the second round. Memphis may keep it respectable, but I expect OKC to cover.
View More Thunder Against the Spread | OKC Heavily Favored Over Grizzlies with Sweep Opportunity in Game 4
Despite the two convincing wins in OKC, the Thunder needs to keep its foot on the gas by taking care of business on the road. OKC’s defense has been the fuel that has kept the offense going, but it would be nice if the Thunder could put together a great shooting night from downtown to match the intensity on the defensive end.
View More Oklahoma City Thunder | Western Conference First Round Game 3: Memphis Grizzlies
Despite convincing wins in Games 1 and 2, the Thunder cannot afford to get complacent at this point. The Grizzlies are sure to improve even more after taking another tough loss in Oklahoma City, and being in Memphis will certainly help that. The Grizzlies were hardly better at home than on the road in the regular season, but the Playoffs are a new animal. The Thunder hasn’t shot the ball all that well through the first two games, but even if they don’t pop off in Game 3, expect the defense to be the key to another big win.
View More Thunder Against the Spread | OKC Just a Single-Digit Road Favorite Over the Grizzlies in Game 3
The Oklahoma City Thunder kicked off the Playoffs in a historical manner, setting an NBA record for the largest margin of victory ever in a Game 1 by defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 131-80. A series is not decided after a single game, but it’s safe to say that OKC has taken control early. Memphis is sure to come out in Game 2 with a renewed focus in an effort to even up the series, but the Thunder has all the momentum.
View More Oklahoma City Thunder | Western Conference First Round Game 2: Memphis Grizzlies
OKC has had Memphis’ number for a while now, and after they manhandled the Grizzlies in Game 1, expect the Thunder to bring the same energy in Game 2. Ja Morant was probably right in his postgame media session when he said, “We’ll never play this bad again,” but they have a lot of work to do to stand a chance in this one. The Thunder proved that they want to keep their foot on the gas, regardless of the score, and that should be the expectation as well for Game 2.
View More Thunder Against the Spread | After Blowout Win Over Grizzlies in Game 1, OKC Heavily Favored Again in Game 2