Memphis (0-1) at Oklahoma City (1-0)
- When: Apr 22 2025, 7:30 PM
- Where: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- TV: TNT
Thunder vs. Grizzlies Betting Preview & Prediction
Spread: Oklahoma City -15.0 | Total: 229.0
Thunder Outlook:
The Oklahoma City Thunder came out swinging in Game 1, delivering a historic 131-80 thrashing of the Memphis Grizzlies. While that dominant showing puts them up 1-0 in the series, the Thunder aren’t easing up. The mindset in the locker room is all business — despite the 51-point margin, they’re focused on staying hungry and not letting up.
Ironically, OKC’s MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had his lowest scoring output of the season with just 15 points on 4-for-13 shooting. That’s bad news for Memphis — the Thunder just posted a 50-point win despite a subpar night from their best player. Expect SGA to bounce back offensively in Game 2, which could make things even worse for the Grizzlies.
The Thunder also hold a psychological edge, having won all four regular-season matchups against Memphis by double digits. Combine that with the NBA’s best defense and home-court momentum, and it’s hard to envision anything other than another convincing OKC win.
Grizzlies Outlook:
Memphis, on the other hand, is in full damage-control mode after one of the most lopsided playoff losses in NBA history. The Grizzlies’ starters were ice cold in Game 1, shooting just 25% from the field. Ja Morant struggled with efficiency, and Jaren Jackson Jr. couldn’t find the basket. As a team, Memphis looked completely overmatched.
There’s some comfort in the fact that the series is still only 1-0, but Game 2 is crucial. If the Grizzlies want to keep this competitive, they’ll need massive bounce-backs across the board. Morant has already promised they won’t play that poorly again — but will that be enough?
Given how dominant OKC has been at home and their elite defense, the Grizzlies must shoot the lights out and slow down a potent Thunder transition attack — both of which seem unlikely.
Best Bet:
Expect a more focused effort from Memphis, but the talent gap is hard to ignore. With Oklahoma City covering all four meetings this season, the Thunder -15 looks like a solid play. The Grizzlies may show more fight, but OKC’s depth and two-way balance will prevail again.
Final Score Prediction: Thunder 118, Grizzlies 100
Lean: Oklahoma City -15.0 | Under 229.0
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
