Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Thunders vs. Grizzlies Game 1 Preview – Can Shai Gilgeous Alexander and Co. Continue Their Dominance in the Playoffs?

Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The Oklahoma City Thunder will face the Memphis Grizzlies tonight in Game 1 of the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. The Thunder were the best team across both conferences and they looked unstoppable in the regular season. Meanwhile for the Grizzlies, they were one of the top seeds in the Western Conference, however, at the end of the season, the went on a steep decline, and finished their season as the 8th seed in the Western Conference. The 1st vs the 8th seed matchup will include two of the up and coming point guards in the NBA which includes Ja Morant and Shai Gilgeous Alexander. Let’s take a deeper look.

Also Read: Stephen Curry’s Playoff Record- What is the Three-Point King’s Win-Loss Record in NBA Playoffs?

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Outlook

The Thunder finished the season with a 68-14 record, willed their way through in the Western Conference. Under the leadership of head coach Mark Daigneault and Shai Gilgeous Alexander, the Thunder looked unstoppable in the regular season, and have secured home court advantage throughout the playoffs. SGA is currently the frontrunner for the MVP award this season, and he averaged 32.7 points per game, beating Kevin Durant’s MVP season average. The Thunder also have other great pieces in Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Lu Dort, who have all contributed to their stunning record this season. The Thunder managed to acquire Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso in the offseason, who have been an tremendous addition for the Thunder.

The Oklahoma City Thunder OFFICIALLY break the NBA record for highest point differential in history.

Most dominant season of all time, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

They outscored teams by 1,055 points pic.twitter.com/HBjEtXo7YT
— Shane Young (@YoungNBA) April 13, 2025

The only questions lingering about the Thunder, even after their dominant show out in the regular season is, if they can win when the Stakes are the highest. Last season, we saw their lack of inexperience in the playoffs as they struggled to beat Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks, and they knocked out of the playoffs after the second round. Do they have what it takes, and can they beat the best teams in the NBA to win the finals? We’ll find out soon enough.

Memphis Grizzlies’ Outlook

The Grizzlies have struggled with consistency all year long. They were at the top of their game for a couple of months, then they slipped all the way to the 8th seed by the end of the season. One of the reasons why, is the recent firing of their head coach Taylor Jenkins, and another reason could be all the injuries that they suffered throughout the regular season. In the Play-In tournament, the Grizzlies lost their first game against the Golden State Warriors, but went on to win against Dallas Mavericks to capture the 8th seed in the West. While their star guard Ja Morant will still be playing tonight against OKC, he’s not a 100 percent. Morant is still dealing with a turned ankle and we wonder if the Grizzlies have much of a chance against the best team in the NBA.

The Memphis Grizzlies are back in the playoffs after they eliminated the Dallas Mavericks 120-106. SGA vs. Ja Morant in a 7-game series should be must-see TV 🍿 pic.twitter.com/onewOCgrMy
— Lee Harvey (@MusikFan4Life) April 19, 2025

Also Read: Oklahoma City Thunder’s Playoff History- How Has Oklahoma City Performed in NBA Playoffs Over the Years?

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Injury Report

Memphis Grizzlies Injury List

The Grizzlies are missing some of their key players from the lineup, as Brandon Clarke is still dealing with a right knee PCL sprain, GG Jackson is out for tonight’s game due to personal reasons, and Jaylen Wells has not yet recovered from right wrist fracture that he suffered in the regular season.

Oklahoma City Thunder Injury List

The Thunder are healthy for the most part and are only missing two players from their roster as Nikola Topic is out for tonight’s game as he had a left knee surgery, and Ousmane Dieng will not play tonight due to a left calf strain.

Where to Watch Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder?

Catch the Memphis Grizzlies vs Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET. Tune in on ABC live from Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. You can also stream the match via NBA League Pass, however, regional restrictions may apply.

Grizzlies vs. Thunder Head-to-Head

In the last two seasons, the Grizzlies have lost 7 straight regular season matchups against the Oklahoma City, and that could continue tonight. Out of those 7 matchups, the Thunder have beaten the Grizzlies by double digits in six of their seven games. The Thunder are the heavy favorite to win this series and advance to the second round.

Also Read: Boston Celtics Playoff History- How Have Celtics Performed in NBA Playoffs So Far?

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Eric Divakaran

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I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.