The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night at Paycom Center for Game 2 of their first-round playoff series. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET. Oklahoma City leads the series 1-0 after a 131-80 win in Game 1.
Oklahoma City finished the regular season with the best record in the West at 68-14, while Memphis earned the 8th seed at 48-34. The Thunder won all four regular-season games against Memphis by at least 13 points. The Grizzlies are looking for a much better showing after suffering the second-worst loss in team history.
Thunder Preview – Staying Focused After Game 1 Blowout
Oklahoma City dominated Game 1 from start to finish, winning by 51 points. Five players scored in double figures, including Jalen Williams with 20 points and Chet Holmgren with 19. The Thunder shot 56% from the field and held Memphis to just 32% shooting.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had only 15 points on 4-of-13 shooting, but the team didn’t need much from him. The Thunder’s defense was the best in the NBA this season and showed why, limiting Memphis’ top scorers and forcing tough shots all night. Holmgren added 10 rebounds and 2 blocks to anchor the paint.
The Thunder are 36-6 at home this season and have now won 10 straight games overall. Their offense ranks third in the league in scoring at 121.1 points per game. Oklahoma City is also one of the best passing teams, averaging over 28 assists per game while committing the fewest turnovers in the NBA.
Grizzlies Preview – Trying to Bounce Back After Ugly Loss
Memphis struggled from the start in Game 1, scoring just 80 points and falling behind early. Ja Morant scored 17 points on 6-of-17 shooting, while Jaren Jackson Jr. went 2-of-13 from the field. Desmond Bane added only 9 points on 3-of-12 shooting.
The Grizzlies’ starters made just 14 of 56 shots as a group. Their offense looked out of sync, and their second unit could not make up the difference. Memphis was out-rebounded and out-assisted while turning the ball over more often than the Thunder.
Memphis coach Tuomas Iisalo said the goal is to win one game on the road. The Grizzlies have lost five straight games to the Thunder, including all four regular-season matchups. They’ll need much better shooting and improved defense to avoid falling into a 2-0 hole.
Betting Prediction
The Thunder are heavy favorites at -14.5, with a total set at 229. Oklahoma City is 60-33-1 against the spread this season and has covered often at home. Memphis will be motivated after the blowout, but it’s a tall task against the league’s top defense and a deep roster.
Memphis is 1-9 against the spread in its last 10 games against Oklahoma City. The Thunder are too efficient and have too many weapons for the Grizzlies to stop. Final score prediction: Thunder 122, Grizzlies 101.
Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder -14.5 over Memphis Grizzlies
The Thunder are going to go ahead in this series by a 2-0 lead. Memphis will need to get things together back home, or this is going to be a quick series. Enjoy the game and best of luck with all your NBA Playoffs betting!
