Memphis Grizzlies vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction 4/22/25 NBA Picks

Memphis Grizzlies Betting Preview 

The Memphis Grizzlies came into the playoffs with plenty of momentum via the Play-In Tournament, but they will be going back to the drawing board after getting embarrassed by the Thunder in a 131-80 road defeat in Game 1 on Sunday. Ja Morant led the team with 17 points while Marvin Bagley added 17 points on eight of eight shooting off the bench, but no other player finished in double figures in scoring as they finished with just 80 points for the game.

As a team, the Grizzlies shot just 34 percent from the field and a miserly six of 34 from the 3-point line as they got off to a terrible start and trailed by 32 points at halftime. Before they leaked 44 points in the third quarter to get completely blown out on the road. Desmond Bane scored just nine points on three of 12 shooting, Jaren Jackson Jr shot just two of 13 for his four points, while Scotty Pippen Jr shot just one of nine for his two points. 

Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Preview 

Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder had the luxury of extra rest coming into the playoffs, and it showed on the court as they ran all over the Grizzlies to cruise to a 131-80 home win in Game 1. Aaron Wiggins led the team in scoring with 21 points off the bench, Jalen Williams added 20 points with six assists, Chet Holmgren added 19 points with 19 rebounds while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander chipped in with 15 points and five assists.

As a team, the Thunder shot 50 percent from the field and 17 of 48 from the 3-point line as they jumped all over the Grizzlies from the start. They just never looked like they were in any danger after jumping out to an early double-digit lead. The Thunder didn’t even need any heroics from Gilgeous-Alexander as they dominated with defense, forcing the Grizzlies into 24 turnovers and turning them into quick points. 

Why the Oklahoma City Thunder will win

• The Thunder have won each of their last nine games against the Grizzlies following a win.
• The Grizzlies have lost each of their last eight games against Thunder teams that held a winning record.
• The Thunder have covered the spread in each of their last 12 games at Paycom Center against Grizzlies teams that held a winning record.
• The Grizzlies have failed to cover the spread in each of their last eight games at Paycom Center.

Why the Memphis Grizzlies will win

• The Grizzlies have won three of their last four playoff games as road underdogs against the Thunder following a loss.
• The Thunder have lost six of their last seven Game 2s of a Western Conference First Round series.
• The Grizzlies have covered the spread in each of their last three games at Paycom Center following a road loss.

Oklahoma City Thunder Player Facts

• Jalen Williams ranks 7th amongst qualified players for steals per game (1.6) this season.
• Luguentz Dort ranks 26th amongst qualified players for 3P% (41.2%) this season.

Memphis Grizzlies Player Facts

• Desmond Bane ranks 8th amongst qualified players for FT% (89.4%) this season.
• Zach Edey ranks 8th amongst qualified players for rebounds per 36 minutes (13.9) this season.

Memphis Grizzlies vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction

The Grizzlies are still missing Brandon Clarke and Jaylen Wells, while the Thunder are still without Ousmane Dieng. The Grizzlies were always going to be heavy underdogs going into the series opener, as they were coming off a short layoff compared to the Thunder, who have been resting starters for weeks now. I didn’t think the Thunder will have such an easy time in the series opener, but they cruised to a massive win based on their defense alone. I think we’re going to see more of the same in this one. Sure, the Grizzlies will come out with a better effort, but I still think the Thunder get the win and cover at home in another easy win.

Peter Tran's Pick: Oklahoma City -14.5