Grizzlies vs Thunder Picks, Predictions & Props to Target in Game 2
By Chris Amberley in NBA Basketball
Published:
- The Thunder are 14.5-point favorites over the Grizzlies in Game 2 of their 1st Round Playoff series on Tuesday
- OKC held Desmond Bane and Ja Morant to 26 points in Game 1, on 9-of-29 shooting
- See The Grizzlies vs Thunder Picks, Predictions and Props to Target in Game 2, below
Game 1 of the Grizzlies vs Thunder series produced one of the biggest blowouts ever seen in the NBA playoff bracket. Online sportsbooks expect another comfortable OKC win in Game 2, pegging the Thunder as massive home chalk. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:40pm ET inside the Paycom Center, in Oklahoma City, OK with TNT and truTV providing the broadcast coverage.
Memphis Grizzlies vs OKC Thunder Predictions
My prediction is that oddsmakers are probably right, although I don’t see value on either the Grizzlies or Thunder against the spread. I’d prefer to bet the under on Memphis’ point total, because I just don’t see how they’re going to generate sustainable offense against this OKC team.
The Thunder had the NBA’s highest defensive rating in the regular season, and it showed in their 131-80 Game 1 victory. OKC held the Grizzlies to to 34% shooting from the field, and 18% for three. They clamped down on Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, Memphis’ two best scorers, limiting them to 26 points total, on 9-of-29 shooting.
MEM vs OKC 2024-25 Stats
Hard to believe, but Morant and Bane were a combined -76 in Game 1. The Thunder forced 24 turnovers, and racked up 8 blocks. They allowed only 5 fast break points, and just 18 assists. By comparison, OKC scored 27 points off the break, and had over twice as many dimes (37).
OKC is long, tenacious, and lightning quick on D. They’re always in the right position and they contest every single shot. Despite his speed, Morant has nowhere to go. If he does beat his man off the dribble, there’s always someone there to meet him who can either protect the rim or force him into a bad shot.
Yes, the Thunder’s offense is also elite, but it’s the defense that makes them such a popular selection in the NBA Championship odds. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA in defensive win shares, while three of his teammates also ranked in the top-20.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Oklahoma City Thunder Picks
- Memphis Grizzlies Under 107.5 Points (-108 at FanDuel)
I don’t expect Memphis to be held to 80 points again, but I just don’t see how they’re topping 107.5 unless OKC completely no shows. The Thunder held the Grizzlies below 107 points in three of four regular season meetings, and the only time they didn’t they were missing Chet Holmgren, one of their primary rim defenders.
Grizzlies vs Thunder Odds
The best price we can get on Memphis under 107.5 points, is -108 at FanDuel. OKC is a 14.5-point favorite for the game, and is laying -1050 on the moneyline. The total currently sits at 229, with the Grizzlies coming back as +675 ‘dogs.
Per the NBA public betting trends, the Thunder held an opponent below 107.5 points 47 times during the regular season, by far the most in the NBA.
Odds as of April 21 at DraftKings and FanDuel. See the DraftKings promo code details before signing up.
Grizzlies vs Thunder Player Props
Bet $1 & Double Your Winnings On Your First 10 Bets!
Grizzlies vs Thunder Prop Bets to Target: Desmond Bane Under 19.5 Points (-120 at DraftKings)
If we expect Memphis to struggle to score, then the likelihood of their stars falling short of the points prop is raised. Bane is the Grizzly I want to bet against in Game 2, as the Thunder simply have his number.
Bane is averaging only 13.9 points per game versus OKC in five matchups this season, and is shooting sub 35% from the field. He can’t create effectively off the dribble against the Thunder’s more athletic guards, so he’s essentially been reduced to a three-point shooter.
That’s a problem against OKC, as no team in the NBA yielded a lower shooting percentage from beyond the arc. Memphis was 6-of-34 from three in Game 1, no that’s not a typo, while Bane was just 1-of-6.
BETMGM SPORTSBOOKUSE CODE SBD1500 & GET $1,500 BACK IN BONUS BETS
BET365 SPORTSBOOKBET $5 & GET $150 IN BONUS BETS WITH CODE DIME365
FANATICS SPORTSBOOKBET & GET UP TO $1,000 IN BONUS BETS!
DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOKBET $5 & GET $200 IN BONUS BETS INSTANTLY!
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOKBET $5 & GET $250 IF YOUR BET WINS
CAESARS SPORTSBOOKUSE CODE SBD2DYW & BET $1 TO DOUBLE THE WINNINGS ON YOUR FIRST 10 BETS!
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, IL, KS, KY, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY); (800) 327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA); (877) 8-HOPENY (NY); 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ); (888) 789-7777 (CT); 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA); 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN); mdgamblinghelp.org (MD); morethanagame.nc.gov (NC); 1800gambler.net (WV)
Sports Writer
As SBD's resident Swiss Army Knife, Chris covers virtually every sport including NFL, PGA, NBA, MLB, NCAAB, NCAAF and the Olympics. A true grinder, he'd rather pick off small edges in the player props market than swing for the fences with a 5-leg parlay.
