The Memphis Grizzlies return home to host the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night. Tip-off is set for 9:30 PM ET at FedExForum. The Thunder lead the series 2-0 after dominant wins in the first two games in Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City won Game 1 by 51 points and followed that with a 19-point win in Game 2. Memphis has not led at any point in the series so far. This game marks a chance for the Grizzlies to bounce back at home, where they finished the regular season 27-15.
Grizzlies Preview – Looking for Answers at Home
Memphis enters Game 3 trying to avoid falling into a 3-0 series hole. They improved their play in Game 2 but still fell short. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the team with 26 points on 10-of-17 shooting after scoring just four points in Game 1. Ja Morant added 23 points and six assists while helping the Grizzlies cut into an 18-point halftime deficit in the third quarter.
Despite that push, Memphis has struggled to keep pace with Oklahoma City’s scoring and defense. The Grizzlies are averaging just 89.5 points per game in the series and are turning the ball over too often. In Game 1, they committed 24 turnovers. In Game 2, they missed their first 10 shots and scored only 17 points in the first quarter.
The Grizzlies need better bench production and more support for Morant and Jackson. Desmond Bane had 19 points and 12 rebounds in Game 2, but others like Zach Edey and Scotty Pippen Jr. combined for just 17 points on limited attempts. Memphis is 49-37 on the year and has covered the second-half spread in 49 of 81 games, showing a trend of improving late.
Thunder Preview – Depth and Defense Leading the Way
Oklahoma City is up 2-0 in the series and has won both games easily, despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander struggling with his shooting. In Game 1, he had 15 points on 4-of-13 shooting. In Game 2, he scored 27 but shot just 10-for-29. The Thunder have used their depth to take control of the series early.
Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren have stepped up. Williams had 24 points in Game 2 and 20 in Game 1, while Holmgren posted back-to-back double-doubles and had five blocks last game. Oklahoma City’s defense has been the difference, holding Memphis to 34% shooting in Game 1 and starting Game 2 by forcing 10 straight misses.
The Thunder went 68-14 in the regular season and are 70-15 overall. They are first in the league in steals and assist-to-turnover ratio. They’ve covered the spread in 61 of 94 games and have hit the moneyline in 59 of their last 70. They’re also top 5 in points, shooting, and defensive efficiency. This team is playing balanced, team basketball with everyone contributing.
Betting Prediction
Oklahoma City enters Game 3 as the favorite after dominating both games at home. They have covered nine of the last 10 matchups with Memphis. The total has gone under in eight of the last 10 meetings. With the Thunder ranked top five in defense and offense, they are tough to beat on either end.
Memphis will likely keep it closer at home, but the Thunder’s depth, defense, and rebounding should carry them again. Expect the Grizzlies to play better early but struggle to keep up late. Oklahoma City pulls away again behind a strong second half and covers the spread.
Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder -7
