Date: April 25, 2025 | Time: 9:30 PM ET | Venue: FedExForum, Memphis, TN
Series Status: Thunder lead 2-0
Series Recap: Thunder Domination
The Oklahoma City Thunder, who topped the NBA with an impressive 68-14 record this season, have completely dominated the Memphis Grizzlies in the first two games of their playoff series. They crushed Memphis in Game 1 with a staggering 51-point win (131-80), marking the biggest victory margin in NBA playoff history. In Game 2, OKC kept their momentum going with a solid 118-99 victory, thanks to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 27 points and Chet Holmgren’s impressive 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocks. Now, Memphis, the 8th seed in the West with a 48-34 record, is in a tough spot and needs to win Game 3 at home to avoid falling into a daunting 3-0 hole.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Record: 68-14 (1st in West) | Playoff Form: 2-0
Strengths: Elite offense, lockdown defense, depth
Key Players:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SG): Leading MVP candidate with an average of 30.1 points per game during the regular season and over 27 points per game in the playoffs. Skilled at getting fouled (8.1 free throw attempts per game) and exploiting mismatches.
Chet Holmgren (C): Leading candidate for Rookie of the Year, averaging 3.7 blocks per game in the series. He’s the backbone of OKC’s top defense and can shoot from deep at 39% from three.
Jalen Williams (SF): A secondary playmaker scoring 24 points per game in the series, with a career-best shooting percentage of 54.2% this postseason.
Supporting Cast:
Luguentz Dort: A perimeter defender assigned to contain Ja Morant.
Isaiah Joe: A marksman sinking 41% of his three-pointers this playoff season.
Isaiah Hartenstein: Experienced player known for grabbing boards (7.1 RPG) and setting solid screens.
Memphis Grizzlies
Record: 48-34 (8th in West) | Playoff Form: 0-2
Strengths: Star power, home-court energy, offensive rebounding
Key Players:
Ja Morant (PG): Dynamic scorer putting up 23.2 points per game. Needs to drive to the basket hard to get Holmgren in foul trouble.
Desmond Bane (SG): Top shooter (38.5% from three) averaged 15 points per game in the series. He could use more chances to catch and shoot.
Jaren Jackson Jr. (PF/C): A contender for Defensive Player of the Year with 2.1 blocks per game. Needs to avoid fouls to keep up with Holmgren.
Supporting Cast:
Santi Aldama: A flexible player averaging 12 points and 6 rebounds per game.
Luke Kennard: Three-point shooter with a 44.7% success rate from beyond the arc during the regular season.
Marvin Bagley III: A bench player with 6.8 rebounds per game.
Tactical Breakdown
Thunder’s Winning Formula
Defensive Swarming: OKC’s tall players (Holmgren, Dort, Williams) mess with passing lanes and challenge shots.
Three-Point Barrage: Hitting 37.4% from long range, making Memphis stretch their defense too thin.
Bench Production: In Game 2, OKC’s bench scored 42 points while Memphis’ bench managed only 28.
Grizzlies’ Adjustments
Ja Morant in Attack Mode: Using drive-and-kick plays to create space for Bane and Kennard.
Jaren Jackson Jr. as Small-Ball 5: Having Jackson play center might really test OKC’s defense.
Full-Court Press: Put OKC’s ball-handlers to the test right away to create some turnovers.
Key Storylines
Home-Court Boost: Memphis has a 28-13 record at FedExForum this season. Will the fans ignite a comeback?
Holmgren vs. Jackson Jr.: The showdown between top shot-blockers might determine control of the paint.
Shai’s MVP Case: A strong performance in Game 3 would really solidify Gilgeous-Alexander’s legacy.
Sports Betting Ace’s Final Score Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder 121, Memphis Grizzlies 112
The Thunder’s solid teamwork and depth should shine through, but Memphis will put up a fight with a strong home game. OKC’s defense will tighten up in the end, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will hit some key shots to secure the victory.
The Thunder are just one win away from taking control of the series. Memphis needs to win Game 3 to stay in the hunt, but with OKC’s better talent and execution, they’re the clear favorites. Get ready for some exciting plays from Shai and Ja, but it’s the Thunder’s defense that will really tip the scales.