The Memphis Grizzlies vs Oklahoma City Thunder are two competitive teams in the NBA’s Western Conference. The Grizzlies, based in Memphis, Tennessee, are known for their tough, defensive-minded play. They have built a strong young core around Ja Morant, a dynamic guard known for his explosiveness and playmaking.The Thunder, hailing from Oklahoma City, have focused on rebuilding through the NBA Draft in recent years. Led by rising star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, they have shown promise with a deep roster full of young talent and potential. Oklahoma City also holds a large number of future draft picks, giving them flexibility to build a contender.
Both teams represent small-market franchises that have succeeded by developing talent and maintaining a strong team culture. While they’re currently at different stages in their competitive timelines, each has a passionate fanbase and a clear vision for the future. Their matchups are often exciting and full of energy.
Memphis Grizzlies Vs Oklahoma City Thunder
| Feature | Memphis Grizzlies | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Team Identity | Grit and Grind, focused on tough defences and physical play. | Rebuilding through youth, with an emphasis on player development. |
| Key Players | Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, Chet Holmgren |
| Playing Style | Fast-paced offense, aggressive defences, and transition play. | Versatile, ball movement-focused, with a focus on young talent. |
| Defensive Strength | Strong shot-blocking, especially with Jaren Jackson Jr. | Improving defences with potential from young players. |
| Offensive Strategy | Up-tempo offense, relying on Ja Morant’s playmaking. | Spreading the floor and relying on ball movement. |
| Rebuilding/Development | Focused on development but competing for playoff spots. | Full rebuild, with a heavy focus on draft picks and player growth. |
| Fanbase and Atmosphere | Passionate, with a blue-collar, hard-working vibe. | Growing fan support, with excitement around young players. |
| Home-Court Advantage | FedEx Forum – a loud, supportive venue. | Paycom Centre – an emerging home court with enthusiastic fans. |
| Future Outlook | Competitive in the short-term, with a focus on playoff success. | Bright future due to young talent and a surplus of draft picks. |
Grizzlies’ vs thunder prediction
The upcoming NBA playoff series between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Oklahoma City Thunder is set to be a compelling matchup. The Thunder, as the higher seed, are favoured to win the series in six games, according to some analysts.
Key Factors Influencing the Series:
- Thunder’s Offensive Firepower: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been outstanding, leading the league in scoring with an average of 33.3 points per game during a dominant stretch in December 2024.
- Grizzlies’ Defensive Strength: Memphis is known for its tough, defensive-minded play, often referred to as “Grit and Grind.”
- Recent Matchups: The Thunder have won their last seven games against the Grizzlies, indicating a strong historical advantage.
While the Thunder are favoured, the Grizzlies’ resilience and defensive prowess could make this a closely contested series.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder playoff game live on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM PDT.
Where to Watch
- National Broadcast (U.S.):
The game is scheduled to air on ABC, part of the NBA’s national playoff coverage.
- Streaming Services:
- Sling TV: Offers ABC through its Orange plan with the Sports Extra add-on.
- DirecTV: Provides ABC via its MySports package.
- FuboTV: Includes ABC in its channel lineup.
- Max: Streams ABC with the B/R Sports add-on.
- International Viewers:
If you’re outside the U.S., consider using a VPN service like ExpressVPN to access U.S. broadcasts.
- Radio Broadcasts
- Memphis Grizzlies Radio Network:
Listen live on 92.9 FM ESPN and 680 AM ESPN, or via the Grizzlies’ official app.
- Oklahoma City Thunder Radio Network:
Tune in to 98.1 FM The Sports Animal or use the Thunder’s official app for live audio.
For fans in India, platforms like Fan Code may offer live streaming of NBA games. Check their schedule closer to the game date for availability.
Last five matchups between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Oklahoma City Thunder
| Date | Location | Final Score | Top Performers |
| Dec 18, 2023 | Oklahoma City | MEM 97 – OKC 116 | OKC: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30 PTS, MEM: Desmond Bane 22 PTS |
| Mar 10, 2024 | Oklahoma City | MEM 93 – OKC 124 | OKC: Jalen Williams 28 PTS, MEM: Jaren Jackson Jr. 18 PTS |
| Mar 16, 2024 | Memphis | MEM 112 – OKC 118 | OKC: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 34 PTS, MEM: Ja Morant 26 PTS |
| Dec 29, 2024 | Oklahoma City | MEM 106 – OKC 130 | OKC: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 32 PTS, MEM: Desmond Bane 24 PTS |
| Feb 8, 2025 | Memphis | MEM 112 – OKC 125 | OKC: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 36 PTS, MEM: Jaren Jackson Jr. 28 PTS |
In these five games, the Thunder have won all matchups, with an average margin of victory of approximately 18.6 points per game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been a standout performer for Oklahoma City, consistently leading his team in scoring. The Grizzlies’ top performers have included Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., though they have struggled to secure victories against the Thunder during this stretch.
These results highlight the Thunder’s dominance in recent meetings, entering their upcoming playoff matchup with a strong track record against Memphis.
Player statistics from the last five matchups between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Oklahoma City Thunder:
| Date | Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks | Minutes Played |
| Dec 29, 2024 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | OKC | 35 | 6 | 7 | 1 | 4 | 28 |
| Dec 29, 2024 | Desmond Bane | MEM | 22 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 26 |
| Feb 8, 2025 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | OKC | 32 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 34 |
| Feb 8, 2025 | Ja Morant | MEM | 16 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 30 |
| Mar 5, 2025 | Jalen Williams | OKC | 25 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 38 |
| Mar 5, 2025 | Ja Morant | MEM | 19 | 5 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 32 |
| Mar 27, 2025 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | OKC | 37 | 5 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 36 |
| Mar 27, 2025 | Jaren Jackson Jr. | MEM | 27 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 34 |
| Apr 20, 2025 | Ja Morant | MEM | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Apr 20, 2025 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | OKC | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder
The Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder are set for an exciting playoff series. The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, have dominated recent matchups, winning their last five games by an average margin of 18.6 points. Memphis, known for its “Grit and Grind” defensive mentality, will rely on Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. to counter OKC’s offensive firepower. While Oklahoma City is favoured, Memphis’ resilience and defensive prowess could make this a closer series. With both teams boasting dynamic young talent, the game promises high energy and intense competition.
