The top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder will kick off their first-round playoff series at home against the eighth-seeded Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday. The Grizzlies secured their playoff spot after a play-in tournament, overcoming the Dallas Mavericks with a 120-106 victory after initially losing to the Golden State Warriors. The Thunder, despite a recent four-game losing streak at the end of the regular season, finished with the NBA`s best record at 68-14.
The game is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Bookmakers have установлены Oklahoma City as a 13.5-point favorite, and the over/under for the total score is set at 230.5 points. Oklahoma City`s projected team score is over/under 122.5 points.
Why the Thunder Could Cover the Spread
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder`s guard, has been playing at an MVP level, leading the NBA in scoring with an average of 32.7 points per game, along with 5 rebounds and 6.4 assists. He has demonstrated his scoring ability with 13 games of 40 or more points this season, including a recent performance of 42 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Chet Holmgren, the power forward, significantly impacts the game with his size and skill, averaging 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. Earlier in April, he recorded a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds against the Phoenix Suns.
Why the Grizzlies Could Cover the Spread
Ja Morant, the Grizzlies` guard, is known for his agility and ball-handling skills. He leads the team in scoring and assists, averaging 23.2 points and 7.3 assists, plus 4.3 rebounds per game. In their play-in victory against Dallas, Morant contributed 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists. He has surpassed 30 points in three of his last seven games.
Jaren Jackson Jr., a versatile power forward, contributes on both ends of the court. He averages 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, and is a threat from beyond the arc, making 37.5% of his three-point attempts. In a previous game against the Thunder in March, he scored 27 points, blocked two shots, and made five three-pointers.
Game Details & Betting Information
- Matchup: Grizzlies vs. Thunder, Game 1
- Spread: Thunder -13.5
- Over/Under: 230.5 points
- Money Line: Thunder -1000, Grizzlies +650
- Thunder Against the Spread This Season: 53-26-4
- Grizzlies Against the Spread This Season: 43-40-1
