The OKC Thunder will face the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. Oklahoma City, 2-0 in the head-to-head score, can sweep the season series with another win. The Thunder hope to overcome the absence of key players, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (ankle), Cason Wallace (toe) and Chet Holmgren (shin), against the home team.
Meanwhile, the slumping hosts are just as hobbled when they square off against the defending champs. Ja Morant (calf), Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe) and Ty Jerome (calf) are out. John Konchar (thumb) is doubtful, while rookie Cedric Coward (ankle) is questionable.
Thunder vs Grizzlies Odds
Moneyline: Oklahoma City (-180) vs. Memphis (+154)
Odds: Oklahoma City (-4.5 -108) vs. Memphis (+4.5 -112)
Total (O/U): Oklahoma City (o229.5 -105) vs. Memphis (u229.5 -115)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
Thunder vs Grizzlies Preview and Prediction
Preview
Oklahoma City dominated Memphis in the past two encounters. Friday’s encounter, though, will be different as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and other key players will not suit up due to injuries. Cason Wallace, whose defense was invaluable during those two games, will not see action as well.
Even with a mainly full roster, OKC has struggled, though. After going 24-1, the team has since stuttered to a 7-6 record. Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, Aaron Wiggins, Kenrich Williams and Ajay Mitchell must play well to carry the visitors.
On paper, it seems Memphis can’t take advantage of its opponents’ injury-hampered lineup. With Morant and other key contributors out, the home team needs everybody to step up.
The defending champs thrive in suffocating opponents with turnovers and converting those errors into points. Jaren Jackson and Co. are averaging 15.5 turnovers per game against the best defense in the NBA. Memphis is also giving up 24.0 points off turnovers to OKC.
The hosts have to take care of the ball and hope for Jackson, GG Jackson, Santi Aldama and Cam Spencer to deliver.
Prediction
The Grizzlies have been struggling even more than the Thunder. Despite both teams dealing with injuries to key contributors, expect the visitors to walk away with a win that beats the -4.5 spread.
Thunder vs Grizzlies Player Props
Jalen Williams (O/U) 24.0 points. Take the over on Williams, who is expected to carry the Thunder’s scoring burden with SGA out.
Ajay Mitchell could also have a big scoring night, to ease past his 18.5 (O/U) points prop.
Jaren Jackson Jr. averaged 14.0 ppg in two losses to OKC. The Grizzlies forward might finally top 20.5 (O/U) without Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein patrolling the paint.
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