The Oklahoma City Thunder (7-8) visit the FedEx Forum on Friday to take on the Memphis Grizzlies (9-6). Tip is set for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Thunder vs. Grizzlies odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Thunder are coming into this game after taking down the Washington Wizards 121-120 on Wednesday, covering as 5-point underdogs. They have covered 4 straight games with their Over hitting in their last 5.
Oklahoma City is led by G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is playing at an MVP level. SGA is averaging 32.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game.
The Grizzlies have far higher expectations this season and are led by their own potential future MVP, G Ja Morant. He is averaging 29.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game.
Memphis is just 5-10 against the spread (ATS) this season despite a 9-6 record. The Grizzlies are just 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games.
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Thunder at Grizzlies odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:05 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Thunder +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Grizzlies -240 (bet $240 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Thunder +6.5 (-115) | Grizzlies -6.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 230.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Thunder at Grizzlies key injuries
Thunder
- F Darius Bazley (ankle) out
Grizzlies
- G Desmond Bane (toe) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Thunder at Grizzlies picks and predictions
Prediction
Grizzlies 118, Thunder 110
Moneyline
PASS.
I like Memphis to win at home, but I wouldn’t back them on the moneyline at -240.
Against the spread
LEAN GRIZZLIES -6.5 (-105).
Memphis is easing F Jaren Jackson Jr. back into the lineup, and he should play a large role in limiting what SGA can do around the rim.
The Grizzlies should also be able to abuse the Thunder on the glass as Memphis sits 1st in offensive rebounding rate and Oklahoma City ranks 23rd in defensive rebounding.
The Grizzlies rank 20th in defensive rating, but with JJJ back and F Dillon Brooks in the lineup, that should improve. Considering the circumstances and OKC’s play, this becomes a much more favorable line for the Grizzlies.
I would lean Grizzlies -6.5 (-105) here with the extra opportunities and impactful return of JJJ.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 230.5 (-105).
Memphis has gone Under its projected total in 3 straight games and in 5 of its last 6. Its defense should improve with JJJ as he averaged 2.3 blocks per game a season ago.
Neither team is an elite shooting team with the Thunder and Grizzlies back to back at No. 20 and 21 in effective field goal rate.
While the Thunder rank 3rd in pace, Memphis sits 19th. At home, this should be more the Grizzlies’ style of play. Without G Desmond Bane either, I would expect their offense to take a hit.
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