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Oklahoma City Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies March 27th 2025
At 8:00 ET, the Thunder (-457) will host the Grizzlies (+351) in a Western Conference matchup. Oklahoma City (-9.5) is on a 7-game win streak and has a record of 60-12, while Memphis is 5th in the West with a record of 44-28.
This game will be played at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City and can be seen on FDSO. The over/under line for the game is 237.5 points.
Grizzlies vs. Thunder Key Information
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Memphis Grizzlies at Oklahoma City Thunder
- Where: Oklahoma City at Paycom Center
- Date: Thursday, March 27th
- Betting Odds OKC -9.5, MEM +351 | OKC -457 O/U 237.5
The Grizzlies Can Win If…
The Grizzlies improved to 44-28 on the season with a dominant 140-103 win over the Jazz on Tuesday. Memphis, favored by -11.5, covered the spread with a +37-point victory. The game’s total points of 243 narrowly surpassed the O/U line of 240.5.
After a 10-0 run by the Jazz, extending their lead to 61-45, the Grizzlies responded by outscoring Utah 35-30 in the 2nd quarter. Memphis then took control, holding the Jazz to 17 points in the 3rd quarter while scoring 41, and continued their dominance by outscoring Utah 35-21 in the 4th.
The Grizzlies put up 140 points in their win over the Jazz, shooting 53.1% from the field and hitting 20 threes at a 44.4% clip. Desmond Bane led the way with 21 points, 12 of which came in the 2nd quarter.
Jaren Jackson added 19 points, while Scotty Pippen Jr. contributed 16 points and 10 assists, shooting 87.5% from the field. Jay Huff and Zach Edey both scored 12 of their 15 points in the 3rd quarter.
Despite a slow start, the Grizzlies tightened up their defense in the 3rd quarter, allowing just 17 points, and held the Jazz to 103 points overall. Memphis gave up 35 points in the 1st quarter and 30 in the 2nd, but they bounced back, limiting Utah to 21 points in the 4th. The Grizzlies held the Jazz to 43% shooting from the field.
Memphis struggled to contain the Jazz from beyond the arc, as Utah hit 17 threes at a 40% clip. The Grizzlies sent the Jazz to the free-throw line 22 times, where they made 18. On the boards, Memphis allowed just 4 offensive rebounds and recorded 7 steals and 4 blocks.
- In their last five games away from home, the Grizzlies have a straight up record of 2-3 while going 1-4 vs. the spread. The team averaged 115 points per game in this stretch.
- Going back to their last five games as the underdog, the Grizzlies have a straight up record of 0-5. But, their mark vs the spread was just 0-4-1.
- Over their last three games, the Grizzlies have an over/under record of 2-1 and are 1-2 vs. the spread.
The Thunder Can Win If…
With a 121-105 win over the Kings on Tuesday, the Thunder improved to 60-12 on the season. Oklahoma City, favored by -8.5 points, covered the spread, while the game’s total of 226 points narrowly missed the O/U line of 228.5.
Oklahoma City took control early, outscoring the Kings 31-21 in the 1st quarter and 33-21 in the 2nd. The Kings made a push with a 16-0 run, cutting the Thunder’s lead from 68-48 to 68-64. However, Oklahoma City responded by outscoring Sacramento 32-24 in the 4th quarter to seal the win.
The Thunder’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their 121-105 win over the Kings, shooting 52.4% from the field and knocking down 19 threes at a 59.4% clip. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 32 points, adding 8 rebounds and 5 assists, while Chet Holmgren contributed 18 points and 10 boards.
Alex Caruso chipped in 15 points, hitting 2 threes at 66.7%, and added 6 assists. Caruso also scored 7 of his points in the 4th quarter, while Isaiah Joe added 6 of his 14 points in the final period.
Defensively, the Thunder were solid in the 1st and 2nd quarters, giving up just 21 points in each, and they held the Kings to 24 points in the 4th. Overall, they allowed 105 points on 40% shooting from the field.
Oklahoma City struggled to defend the three, as the Kings hit 23 threes at a 48% clip. The Thunder sent Sacramento to the line 12 times, where they made 8 free throws. The Thunder grabbed 46 defensive rebounds, allowing 5 offensive boards, and added 7 steals and 6 blocks.
- The Thunder are 5-0 ATS in their last home games and 5-0 straight-up.
- Oklahoma City has done well both straight up and vs the spread when favored to win the game, going 5-0 SU and 5-0 ATS in their last five games.
- In their last three games, the Thunder have an over/under record of 3-0 and are 2-1 vs. the spread.
The Lean
Coming in as the underdogs at +9.5, 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.
As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 237.5, and our model projects the Grizzlies and Thunder to reach a combined total of 255 points. Our bet is on taking the over.
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Grizzlies Look to Stay Hot Against Top-Seeded Thunder
The Memphis Grizzlies head to Oklahoma City on Thursday night in a crucial Western Conference matchup against the top-seeded Thunder. Memphis (44-28) is fighting to stay in the hunt for a top-four seed while trying to avoid slipping into a play-in spot. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder (60-12) have already secured the best record in the Western Conference and continue to build momentum heading into the playoffs.
The Grizzlies are fresh off a dominant 140-103 win over the Utah Jazz, snapping a three-game losing streak. However, they will once again be without star point guard Ja Morant, who is sidelined with a hamstring strain. Despite his absence, Memphis put together a balanced attack with Scotty Pippen Jr. leading the way.
For the latest NBA odds and game predictions, visit NBA Scores and Odds.
Grizzlies Finding Ways to Win Without Morant
With Ja Morant out, the Grizzlies have relied on a team-first approach to keep their playoff hopes alive. Coach Taylor Jenkins has been creative with his lineups, recently inserting Scotty Pippen Jr. into the starting role. Pippen delivered one of his best performances of the season against the Jazz, scoring 16 points on 7-for-8 shooting, adding 10 assists, and committing zero turnovers.
“Just keeping the energy high, playing hard on both ends of the floor and bringing it every night,” Pippen said after the win.
Memphis has gone 16-13 without Morant this season, and they are 11-8 when Pippen starts. Pippen’s ability to manage the floor and distribute the ball efficiently has been key to keeping the Grizzlies competitive.
Desmond Bane and Luke Kennard Carrying the Load
While Pippen has been the floor general, Desmond Bane and Luke Kennard have picked up the scoring slack. Bane, known for his shooting touch, and Kennard, one of the league’s most reliable perimeter threats, have formed a formidable backcourt duo.
For the latest updates on team stats and player performance, check out the NBA Team Page.
Thunder Continue to Dominate the West
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been on an absolute tear, boasting a seven-game winning streak and maintaining the best record in the NBA at 60-12. With 10 games left in the regular season, they are firmly locked into the top spot in the Western Conference and are just two games ahead of Cleveland for the best overall record.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leading the Charge
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been the catalyst for the Thunder’s remarkable season, delivering elite scoring performances night after night. Alongside him, Luguentz Dort has been a defensive anchor, and together they have solidified Oklahoma City’s position as a title contender.
“We had a lot of ups and downs, and to be at this point now is good,” Dort said. “It just shows how much the work is paying off.”
Injury Update: Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace
Oklahoma City is hopeful that All-Star forward Jalen Williams will return after missing seven straight games with a hip injury. He was listed as questionable ahead of Tuesday’s win over Sacramento but ultimately did not play. Guard Cason Wallace (knee) is also questionable.
For more insights into conference races and playoff odds, visit:
Key Matchups to Watch
Scotty Pippen Jr. vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Pippen will have his hands full containing one of the most dynamic scorers in the league. If Pippen can keep SGA in check while managing the Grizzlies’ offense, Memphis will have a fighting chance.
Desmond Bane vs. Luguentz Dort
Bane’s scoring touch will be challenged by Dort’s relentless defense. This matchup could be pivotal in determining whether the Grizzlies can generate enough offense to stay competitive.
Jaren Jackson Jr. vs. Jalen Williams (if active)
Jackson’s ability to dominate in the paint and protect the rim will be critical against Williams, who is a versatile forward with scoring ability.
Game Strategy
Memphis Grizzlies
- Play Through Pippen: With Morant out, Pippen’s playmaking and scoring efficiency are essential.
- Perimeter Defense: Limiting Oklahoma City’s three-point shooting will be crucial, especially with the Thunder’s shooters finding their rhythm.
- Crash the Boards: Controlling the glass will limit second-chance opportunities for the high-powered Thunder offense.
Oklahoma City Thunder
- Exploit Morant’s Absence: With the Grizzlies missing their superstar, the Thunder need to push the pace and force turnovers.
- Defensive Intensity: Shutting down Bane and Kennard from deep will neutralize Memphis’ biggest threat.
- Keep Up the Pressure: Maintain an aggressive tempo to keep Memphis on their heels.
For more betting tips and expert insights, visit NBA Expert Betting Guide.
Game Prediction
The Thunder have been virtually unstoppable at home, boasting a 30-5 record at the Paycom Center. With a seven-game winning streak and the league’s best overall record, Oklahoma City is in prime form. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies are still figuring out how to win consistently without Ja Morant.
If Pippen and Bane can generate offense while containing SGA and Dort, Memphis might make it interesting. However, the Thunder’s combination of depth, experience, and home-court dominance makes them heavy favorites.
Prediction: Thunder 123, Grizzlies 111
The Thunder’s firepower and consistent play at home should overwhelm the short-handed Grizzlies, even with Pippen’s solid play.
FAQs
- What is the status of Ja Morant?
- Morant remains sidelined with a hamstring strain and will not play against the Thunder.
- Can Memphis win without Morant?
- The Grizzlies have been competitive without him, but they must play near-perfect basketball to beat the red-hot Thunder.
- Who are the key players for Oklahoma City?
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort have been vital to the Thunder’s success, while Jalen Williams could return from injury.
- How have the Grizzlies performed without Morant?
- Memphis has gone 16-13 without Morant this season, showing they can still compete but lacking consistency.
- What is Oklahoma City’s home record?
- The Thunder are 30-5 at home, making them one of the most dominant teams in their own arena.
Where can I find more NBA predictions and odds?
Visit the NBA Picks Page for the latest expert insights.
The Grizzlies have a tough task ahead, facing a surging Thunder squad that is locked into the top seed. Will Memphis keep their playoff hopes alive with a statement win, or will Oklahoma City maintain its home-court dominance? Tune in to find out!
