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Memphis Grizzlies vs. OKC Thunder Game 1 Preview, Odds, Predictions, Picks (Apr 20)

By · Updated 9 hours ago
  • Grizzlies vs. Thunder odds favor OKC at -750.
  • Memphis eliminated the Dallas Mavericks in the play-in game, 120-106.
  • OKC had the 3rd best defense in the NBA, 107.6 points allowed per game.

This will be the clash between the top defense and the second-best offense in the NBA. Grizzlies might be tired, because they played two nights ago, but that’s the price for entering the playoffs.

How to Watch

  • When: Sunday, April 20, 1 pm ET
  • Where: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
  • How to Watch: ABC

NBA Playoffs Odds & Lines

TeamOddsSpreadTotals
Grizzlies+475+12.5226.5
Thunder-750-12.5226.5

Game Preview

Memphis was better than the Mavericks in the play-in game, 120-106. The Grizzlies’ best player, Ja Morant, had 22 points, nine assists, and seven boards despite his ankle injury.

Desmond Bane added the same number of points with nine assists, while Jaren Jackson Jr. had 24 buckets. The Grizzlies’ ball movement was superb, as they racked 30 assists in the end.

Thunder ended the season as the top seed in the NBA Western Conference standings. OKC has the third-best defense with 107.6 points allowed.

Meanwhile, the top scorer in the NBA is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with 32.7 points, and is the top MVP contender. The Canadian established itself as a lethal shooter but also as a foul-baiter, which kinda frustrates the rival fans.

  • Grizzlies are the No.2 offense in the NBA – 121.7 points scored per game.
  • The Grizzlies average 15 turnovers per game, third-most int he NBA.
  • Thunder allows 107.6 points per game, the second-fewest in the NBA.
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has 8.8 free throws per game.

Grizzlies vs. Thunder Head to Head

OKC swept the Grizzlies in the seasonal series, winning all 4 events this year. In each event they scored at least 120 points.

Grizzlies vs. Thunder Prediction

The Grizzlies are 12.5-point underdogs, and we don’t think the difference between the Thunder and Memphis is that high. Plus, OKC is out of playing rhythm, which will impact their overall performance. So, we pick the guest to defend the spread.

  • Free NBA picks: Grizzlies +12.5
Nikola Velickovic
Contributor Nikola is one of those rare fanatics who dedicated their lives to sports. In the last five years, he has worked as a betting tips writer for several companies. Also, he does coverage of various sports events, and besides his betting skills, he is a sports news contributor on multiple websites. Here at VegasOdds, Nikola is in charge of the NBA, Champions League and the world’s most famous soccer competition the English Premier League.

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