The Oklahoma City Thunder are the most dominant team in the NBA this season and will be favorites on almost any given night. A hamstring injury to the Memphis Grizzlies’ starting point guard, Ja Morant, has robbed fans of a classic showdown between two of the league’s brightest stars, but there is still plenty of star talent on both of these teams. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander seems to be the favorite to win the NBA MVP award and has led the Thunder to the best record in the league.
The Thunder will look to keep their momentum alive heading into the playoffs, while the Grizzlies are battling to avoid the play-in tournament. Will Oklahoma City make it eight straight wins, or can Memphis dig deep and pull off a stunning upset while awaiting further news on Morant’s injury?
Matchup: Grizzlies vs Thunder Overview
- Teams: Memphis Grizzlies at Oklahoma City Thunder
- Date: Thursday, March 27th, 2025
- Time: Tip-off is at 8:00 PM EST (7:00 PM local time)
- Venue: Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Win Probabilities:
The NBA win probabilities have given the Thunder a 77.47% chance to win this game. Although the Grizzlies are certainly an above-average team, Morant’s absence and the Thunder’s dominance this season put Memphis at a significant disadvantage. While Oklahoma City is the best team in the league, no game is a guaranteed win. The Grizzlies still have a 22.53% chance to pull off an upset on Thursday night, according to NBA win probabilities
Projected Final Score:
The projected final score for the Grizzlies vs. Thunder matchup has been calculated using expert NBA predictions in combination with insights from recent games. Factoring in injuries and each team’s recent form, the projected result is: Oklahoma City Thunder 126-115 Memphis Grizzlies.
Grizzlies vs Thunder Odds
The Thunder have only been underdogs three times this season, so it’s no surprise to see them as sizable favorites at home. Memphis is far from a weak team, and these two could meet again in the playoffs next month.
However, with Ja Morant still sidelined due to a hamstring strain and the Thunder surging, the odds heavily favor Oklahoma City. Given both teams’ ability to score, the total points are expected to be high.
Expert Prediction: Who Will Win?
Why the Memphis Grizzlies Could Win
The Grizzlies are one of the most promising teams in the NBA, but their inability to stay healthy has prevented them from making a championship run. Ja Morant remains sidelined, yet the Grizzlies have learned how to stay competitive regardless of who’s available. They’ll need to dig deep tonight against a well-rounded Thunder squad, but when this team is counted out, they often deliver a statement victory.
All hope is not lost without Morant, as Jaren Jackson Jr. has emerged as a legitimate superstar. He narrowly edged Morant in PPG this season (22.4) and is a dominant force on the defensive end.
Shutting down Chet Holmgren on the interior will be a central focus for the Grizzlies, and Jackson Jr. is capable of disrupting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander when he drives to the rim. Gilgeous-Alexander leads the league in free throw attempts thanks to his craftiness in the lane, making Jackson Jr.’s rim protection even more crucial. If the Grizzlies hope to pull off the upset, they’ll need Jackson Jr. to deliver a dominant two-way performance, as their playoff chances hinge on his play.
Why the Oklahoma City Thunder Could Win
The Oklahoma City Thunder have strung together seven consecutive victories, and there’s little reason to believe that streak will end here. They’ve been one of the most consistent picks this season, ranking in the top five on both ends of the court. Their offense is balanced and efficient, while their perimeter defense is suffocating.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the front-runner for the MVP award this season, and rightfully so. He leads the league with 32.8 PPG and also leads the Thunder in both steals (1.8) and assists (6.3). With Morant ruled out, his defensive assignment becomes a bit easier, but that doesn’t mean this will be a walk in the park for Oklahoma City. Memphis is a team that refuses to quit, and the Thunder can’t afford to approach this game with complacency. As long as they maintain their high level of effort on both ends—something they’ve done all season—this game has all the makings of another double-digit win in front of a raucous home crowd.
How to Make Memphis Grizzlies vs Oklahoma City Thunder Picks
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This matchup could have major postseason implications, so don’t miss the chance to lock in your NBA predictions for this thrilling contest.
