Memphis Grizzlies vs Oklahoma City Thunder Picks and Predictions February 8th 2025

Memphis Grizzlies vs Oklahoma City Thunder February 8th 2025

In a Western Conference matchup, the Thunder (-131) will take on the Grizzlies (+111) at 8:00 ET. The over/under line is set at 242.5.

At the FedExForum, the Thunder (-2) will look to extend their four-game winning streak against the Grizzlies (+2). Oklahoma City is 1st in the Western Conference with a record of 41-9, while Memphis is 2nd at 35-16.

Thunder vs. Grizzlies Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Oklahoma City Thunder at Memphis Grizzlies
• Where: Memphis at FedExForum
• Date: Saturday, February 8th
• Betting Odds OKC -2, OKC -131 | MEM +111 O/U 242.5

The Thunder Can Win If…

Oklahoma City improved to 41-9 on the season with a 121-109 win over the Raptors on Friday. Playing at home, the Thunder were favored by 18.5 points but didn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game were 230, just over the line of 229.

A key moment came when the Thunder went on a 10-0 run, stretching the score from 24-19 to 34-19. They led 90-76 going into the 4th quarter, and while the Raptors outscored them 33-31 in the final period, Oklahoma City held on for the win.

Jalen Williams led the Thunder to a win over the Raptors, putting up 27 points and 5 rebounds, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 25 points. Aaron Wiggins contributed 18 points, and Isaiah Joe chipped in 16. The Thunder shot 51.2% from the field, but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 29% with 9 made threes.

Williams was key in the 3rd quarter, scoring 10 points, and added 9 more in the 4th. Gilgeous-Alexander had 12 points in the 3rd, and 11 in the 1st. Isaiah Joe also had a strong 3rd quarter, scoring 8 points, and added 5 more in the 4th.

Defensively, the Thunder were strong in the 2nd quarter, holding the Raptors to just 22 points, and they allowed 109 points overall in the game. Oklahoma City limited Toronto to 42% shooting from the field.

The Thunder struggled to defend the three, as the Raptors hit 19 threes at a 46% clip. Oklahoma City sent Toronto to the line 19 times, where they made 12 free throws. The Thunder also recorded 10 steals and 7 blocks.

• Through their last three road games, Oklahoma City has an ATS record of just 0-3. However, their overall record was 1-2 while averaging 108 points per game.
• Spanning across their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Thunder have gone 4-6 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 7-3.
• Over their last three games, the Thunder have an over/under record of 2-1 and are 2-1 vs. the spread.

The Grizzlies Can Win If…

The Grizzlies improved to 35-16 on the season with a dominant 138-107 win over the Raptors on Wednesday. Memphis, who were favored by -10.5, covered the spread with the 31-point victory. The total points of 245 exceeded the over/under line of 236.

Memphis took control with an 11-0 run, stretching the score from 61-55 to 72-55. They outscored Toronto 43-25 in the 3rd quarter and 42-23 in the 4th, pulling away after leading 96-84 going into the final period.

In their 138-107 win over the Raptors, the Grizzlies shot 52.8% from the field and connected on 16 threes at a 42.1% clip. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the way with 32 points, hitting 4 threes at 80% efficiency, while Ja Morant added 26 points, making 3 threes.

Jackson scored 14 points in the 2nd quarter and added 9 more in both the 3rd and 4th. Morant had 16 points in the 3rd, and GG Jackson contributed 11 of his 17 points in the final period.

The Grizzlies’ defense was solid in their win over the Raptors, allowing just 107 points. They gave up 29 points in the 1st quarter and 30 in the 2nd, but tightened up in the 2nd half, allowing only 25 points in the 3rd and 23 in the 4th.

Memphis held Toronto to 39% shooting, including just 28% from three-point range, with the Raptors making 12 threes. The Grizzlies also sent Toronto to the line 19 times, where they made 17 free throws. Defensively, Memphis recorded 7 steals and 5 blocks.

• The Grizzlies are 4-1 ATS in their last home games and 4-1 straight-up.
• Through their last three games as the underdog, the Grizzlies have an ATS record of 2-1 and a straight up mark of 2-1.
• In their last five games, the Grizzlies have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 3-1-1 vs. the spread.

The Lean

Coming in as the underdogs at +2, we have the Grizzlies as the way to go on the point spread. Not only do we have them covering, but our projections show they have a good one of winning this one straight-up, if you’re looking for a higher payout on the moneyline.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 242.5, and our model predicts the Thunder and Grizzlies to score a combined 296 points. We recommend betting on the over.

Jaren Jackson Jr. Leading Memphis’ Resurgence

The Memphis Grizzlies have dealt with their fair share of injuries this season, but one constant has been Jaren Jackson Jr. Emerging as a dominant force on both ends of the floor, Jackson has become the focal point of the Grizzlies’ offense while continuing to be a defensive anchor.

After missing the first two games of the season with a hamstring strain, Jackson has been a model of consistency, leading Memphis with 23.4 points per game. His ability to score in isolation and attack the paint has turned him into one of the most difficult matchups in the league.

Now, as the Grizzlies prepare to take on the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night, Jackson will look to continue his hot streak.

Memphis Riding Momentum with Key Players Returning

The Grizzlies have been one of the league’s hottest teams, winning four straight and 10 of their last 11 games. Jackson has been instrumental in this run, posting three consecutive 30-point games and scoring at least 20 in nine straight outings.

His offensive explosion was on full display during Memphis’ 138-107 win over Toronto on Wednesday. Jackson dropped 32 points in just 26 minutes, knocking down four three-pointers and shooting 10-of-16 from the field. This recent stretch also earned him Western Conference Player of the Week honors (Jan. 20-26), marking the first time in his career he has received the award.

Head coach Taylor Jenkins has been impressed by Jackson’s continued growth, particularly in his ability to make plays for others.

“It’s awesome to watch Jaren’s evolution as a player, playmaker,” Jenkins said. “He’s obviously a dynamic scorer. His growth, his seeing the floor, his poise, his patience, his aggressiveness and force have unlocked a lot for him.

“(If opponents) throw a double team at him, he’s going to find teammates. And if (teammates) make the right decisions on the back side, we get a layup or a 3. Playmaking through him has been awesome.”

Memphis is also getting healthier at the right time. Ja Morant recently returned from a shoulder injury, and Desmond Bane is expected back after missing two games with an ankle issue. With their core trio back in action, the Grizzlies are well-positioned to challenge the top teams in the West.

Oklahoma City Still the Team to Beat in the West

Despite Memphis’ strong play, the Thunder remain the benchmark in the conference. Led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City has held the league’s best record for most of the season and currently sits 6.5 games ahead of the second-place Grizzlies.

The Thunder enter Saturday’s matchup on a four-game winning streak after securing a 121-109 victory over Toronto on Friday night. Gilgeous-Alexander continued his dominant season with 25 points in just three quarters, keeping his league-leading scoring average at 32.7 points per game.

However, perhaps the biggest storyline for Oklahoma City was the return of 7-foot-1 center Chet Holmgren.

Chet Holmgren Returns, Adds Another Dimension to OKC

Holmgren, who had been out since Nov. 10 with a pelvic fracture, made his highly anticipated return on Friday night. Limited to 22 minutes, he contributed four points, five rebounds, four blocks, and two steals, offering a glimpse of the defensive impact he brings to the team.

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault praised Holmgren’s quick recovery, attributing it to his dedication during rehab.

“That’s a reflection of how his body responded, first of all, which he doesn’t have control over,” Daigneault said. “But it’s also a result of how motivated he was through the process to get himself back as soon as possible.”

Before his injury, Holmgren was averaging 16.4 points and 8.7 rebounds, playing a key role in OKC’s rise to the top of the standings. His return provides the Thunder with a much-needed presence in the paint, especially alongside fellow big man Isaiah Hartenstein.

Holmgren is thrilled to be back on the court and eager to contribute.

“It’s amazing,” Holmgren said of his return. “I missed it for a long time, and I worked really hard to be able to get back out there. So I’m happy and excited and look forward to continue to try and help us win and keep improving.”

Uncover Data-Driven Predictions and Detailed Odds Analysis to Navigate the NBA Western Conference Showdowns

A Statement Game for Both Teams

Saturday’s showdown between Memphis and Oklahoma City carries significant weight in the Western Conference playoff picture. The Grizzlies are surging with their key players returning, while the Thunder continue to set the pace with elite play from Gilgeous-Alexander and the return of Holmgren.

Both teams have plenty to prove—Memphis wants to show it belongs among the conference’s elite, while Oklahoma City looks to maintain its stranglehold on the West.

With two of the NBA’s brightest young stars in Jackson and Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge, this matchup has all the makings of a must-watch battle.