The OKC Thunder and Memphis Grizzlies lock horns on Friday at the FedExForum. It’s their third and final meeting of the 2025-26 NBA regular season. The Thunder have already won the season series against their 2025 playoffs first-round opponents, beating the Grizzlies by a combined margin of 30 points in their two previous matchups.
Ahead of Friday’s rematch, the Thunder enter the contest as the favorites again despite multiple injuries. They are favored to win by 3.5 points. OKC is coming off a 129-125 overtime win against the Utah Jazz, avoiding a third straight loss. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 46 points as the Thunder avoided a major second-half collapse.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies are coming off a 117-98 loss to the Phoenix Suns. With several rotation players sidelined, Memphis didn’t have enough on the offensive end. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored a team-high 19 points on 9 of 19 shots. No other player managed to score 15 or more.
Despite dealing with injuries, this could be Memphis’ best shot at beating the Thunder, who are without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Friday.
Thunder vs. Grizzlies Starting 5 (Jan. 9)
Thunder starting 5 and depth chart
The Thunder have an eight-player injury list headlined by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He’s out with a right ankle sprain. Chet Holmgren (shins) and Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) are the other two starters sidelined. Cason Wallace (toe) and Jaylin Williams (heel) are the key bench players among the absentees, while Alex Caruso (back) is questionable.
With so many injuries, the Thunder are bound to shake up their starting 5. Ajay Mitchell could start at point guard, with Luguentz Dort sharing the backcourt with him. The frontcourt will likely include Jalen Williams, Aaron Wiggins and Brandon Carlson.
| PG | Ajay Mitchell | |
| SG | Luguentz Dort | Isaiah Joe |
| SF | Jalen Williams | Alex Caruso* |
| PF | Aaron Wiggins | Kenrich Williams |
| C | Brandon Carlson |
Grizzlies starting 5 and depth chart
The Grizzlies’ injury woes are just as bad, if not worse, than the Thunder’s. Among rotation players who have played this season, Ja Morant (calf) and Zach Edey (ankle) will remain sidelined. Meanwhile, Cedric Coward (ankle) and Vince Williams Jr. (knee) are questionable. John Konchar (thumb) is doubtful.
Vince Williams Jr. and Cedric Coward could start as the two guards if they are available. Jaylen Wells will play at small forward, with Jaren Jackson Jr. at power forward and Jock Landale at center.
| PG | Vince Williams Jr.* | Cam Spencer | |
| SG | Cedric Coward* | Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | Jahmai Mashack |
| SF | Jaylen Wells | GG Jackson | |
| PF | Jaren Jackson Jr. | Santi Aldama | Olivier Maxence-Prosper |
| C | Jock Landale | Christian Koloko |
Read more: Lakers Injury Report: LeBron James Concern, Major Rui Hachimura Update vs. Bucks (Jan. 9)
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