OKC Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies: Prediction, Starting Lineups and Betting Tips
There are multiple NBA games on Saturday, including the OKC Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies. It's the third and final matchup between the two teams this season, with the Thunder looking for the series sweep. They are also gunning for a fifth straight win against the Grizzlies since the streak started on Dec. 17, 2022.
Oklahoma City's first two wins over Memphis were blowouts at the Paycome Center: a 116-97 victory on Dec. 18, a game before Ja Morant's return from suspension the next night. The second was a 124-93 win on Mar. 10 against a Grizzlies team filled with players on 10-day contracts and in the NBA G League.
It has been a tough season for the Grizzlies, especially with injuries. They endured Morant's suspension, but a season-ending shoulder injury means that this campaign is a wasted year.
OKC Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies preview, prediction, odds and betting tips
The OKC Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies game is on Saturday at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee. It starts at 8:00 p.m. EST and will be televised on Bally Sports Oklahoma and Bally Sports SouthEast-Memphis.
Moneyline: Thunder (-425) vs Grizzlies (+345)
Spread: Thunder -9.5 (-115) vs Grizzlies +9.5 (-105)
Total (O/U): Thunder o218.5 (-110) vs Grizzlies u218.5 (-110)
OKC Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies preview
The OKC Thunder returned to the win column following a 126-119 win over the Luka Doncic-less Dallas Mavericks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a memorable duel against Kyrie Irving, with the win keeping them 0.5 games behind the Denver Nuggets atop the West.
Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies have only three wins in their last 10 games. The Grizzlies are coming off an embarrassing 110-98 loss to the lowly Charlotte Hornets.
It's unclear if Memphis will allow some injured players like Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart to return despite the lost season.
OKC Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies starting lineups, subs and rotation
The OKC Thunder remain the healthiest team in the NBA with no injured players on their roster. Here's coach Mark Daigneault's most used starting five:
Gordon Hayward has served as the sixth man since arriving from the Charlotte Hornets. Isaiah Joe, Cason Wallace, Jaylin Williams and Aaron Wiggins are part of the current Thunder rotation.
Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies have a whopping 12 players on the injury report, eight of whom are confirmed to suit up for this game. Coach Taylor Jenkins has no other choice but to use a starting five of:
If Jaren Jackson Jr. doesn't get cleared, Trey Jemison is expected to start. Desmond Bane and Santi Aldama could return to the lineup as well but will be game-time decisions.
OKC Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies betting tips
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has an over/under of 31.5 points. Bet on SGA to score less than 31.5 points, as it could be another blowout win for the Grizzlies. SGA scored 23 and 30 points, respectively, in the two victories over Memphis this season.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is favored to go under 23.5 points on Saturday. Monitor JJJ's situation if he plays or not, as well as Desmond Bane's status. If both players are suiting up, bet on Jackson to score less than 23.5 points, as he won't be the first option on offense.
OKC Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies prediction
The OKC Thunder are the favorites to sweep the season series against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Thunder are in a tight race for the top spot in the Western Conference and can't afford an upset loss to the short-handed Grizzlies.
Oddsmakers predict the Thunder to get the win but the Grizzlies to cover the +9.5 spread. The total is predicted to be more than 218.5 points.
