The Oklahoma City Thunder (9-1) are set to face off against the Memphis Grizzlies (4-6) on Sunday at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee, with the game scheduled to tip-off at 6 p.m. ET. This matchup marks the first of the season between the two teams, with the Thunder having swept their previous four encounters last year.
Oklahoma City recently rebounded from a minor setback to secure a commanding 132-101 victory over the Sacramento Kings, comfortably covering as an 11.5-point road favorite. In that game, C Isaiah Hartenstein was a standout performer, notching a game-high 33 points along with 19 rebounds. G Ajay Mitchell also had an impressive outing, contributing 18 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double.
Memphis ended a challenging four-game losing streak with a strong 118-104 win against the Dallas Mavericks. The Grizzlies, who were 4-point home favorites, managed to cover the spread while G Ja Morant and F Cedric Coward each scored 21 points, with Morant also dishing out 13 assists to register a double-double.
As for the odds from BetMGM Sportsbook, the Thunder are favored with a moneyline of -500, while the Grizzlies sit at +375. Against the spread, Oklahoma City is favored by 10.5 points. The total Over/Under for this matchup is set at 232.5 points.
Both teams face some injury concerns. The Thunder’s G Lugentz Dort is listed as questionable with a trap injury, while G Aaron Wiggins, G Jalen Williams, and G Kenrich Williams will be sidelined. The Grizzlies may be without F Santi Aldama, who is questionable due to a shoulder issue, and C Zach Edey, G Ty Jerome, and G Scotty Pippen Jr., all of whom are out.
Experts predict a Thunder victory with a predicted score of 127-111. Given the Thunder’s impressive form, having covered in four of their last five games, including three instances as double-digit favorites, they seem poised to succeed. The Thunder have also demonstrated potent scoring, hitting at least 126 points in four of their last five games while holding opponents to under 108 points in seven of their last eight contests, creating a favorable environment for covering the spread.
Conversely, the Grizzlies have struggled lately, failing to cover the spread in six of their last seven games and recording a 3-7 ATS record this season. With difficulties in scoring, particularly evident as they have averaged 109 or fewer points in three of their last four games, the Thunder are positioned as strong contenders in this matchup.
In light of these findings, betting on the Thunder -10.5 seems prudent, and an Over bet on 232.5 points could also be a favorable option, given the Thunder’s capacity to score significantly. This matchup promises to deliver excitement and competitive basketball for fans and bettors alike.