Memphis Grizzlies (48-34, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (68-14, first in the Western Conference)
Oklahoma City; Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Thunder -13.5; over/under is 229
WESTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND: Thunder host first series matchup
BOTTOM LINE: The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Memphis Grizzlies to begin the Western Conference first round. Oklahoma City and Memphis tied the regular season series 0-0.
The Thunder are 39-13 against Western Conference opponents. Oklahoma City ranks third in the Western Conference with 34.2 defensive rebounds per game led by Isaiah Hartenstein averaging 7.9.
The Grizzlies are 27-24 in conference play. Memphis ranks fourth in the NBA with 34.4 defensive rebounds per game led by Zach Edey averaging 7.5.
The Thunder's 14.5 made 3-pointers per game this season are only 0.3 more made shots on average than the 14.2 per game the Grizzlies allow. The Grizzlies score 14.1 more points per game (121.7) than the Thunder give up to opponents (107.6).
TOP PERFORMERS: Jalen Williams is averaging 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.6 steals for the Thunder. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 22.0 points over the last 10 games.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks for the Grizzlies. Ja Morant is averaging 19.9 points and 4.4 assists over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Thunder: 8-2, averaging 125.2 points, 43.8 rebounds, 26.9 assists, 9.7 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 48.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.9 points per game.
Grizzlies: 4-6, averaging 116.8 points, 45.7 rebounds, 25.3 assists, 8.2 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 46.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.6 points.
INJURIES: Thunder: Ousmane Dieng: day to day (calf), Nikola Topic: out for season (acl).
Grizzlies: GG Jackson II: out (personal), Jaylen Wells: out for season (wrist), Brandon Clarke: out for season (knee).
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
The Associated Press
