Thunder Face Grizzlies in Key Western Conference Clash Tonight

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Oklahoma City Thunder are gearing up to face the Memphis Grizzlies on February 8, 2025, in a pivotal clash that features the top two teams in the Western Conference. This matchup follows the Thunder’s win against the Toronto Raptors the previous night, and both teams are looking forward to what could be a closely contested game at FedEx Forum.

Oklahoma City enters the match with a record of 41-9, while Memphis sits at 36-16. This will be a crucial game for the Thunder, who are on the second night of a back-to-back. Center Chet Holmgren, who returned to action against the Raptors, remains uncertain to play tonight due to a hip injury. Additionally, guard Luguentz Dort will be absent due to back spasms.

In contrast, Memphis is experiencing a nearly clean bill of health for the first time this season, with only shooting guard Desmond Bane labeled as questionable before the game. Bane was upgraded to available shortly before tip-off, providing the Grizzlies with a significant boost as they pursue their fifth consecutive victory.

Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins expressed optimism regarding his team’s condition going into the game. “It’s great to have most of our guys back healthy,” Jenkins said. “We need our full roster, especially against a team like Oklahoma City.”

The Thunder are 7-3 over their last ten games while Memphis boasts an impressive 9-1 record in the same span. This matchup marks the first time this season both teams square off at full strength, making the stakes even higher for playoff positioning.

Despite their recent success, the Thunder’s three-point shooting against Toronto raised questions. The team posted just 29% from beyond the arc, partly due to inconsistent performances outside of standout plays by Isaiah Joe and Alex Caruso.

“If we want to win tonight, we need to improve our shooting from deep,” said Thunder forward Jalen Williams, who scored 27 points in the previous game. “Memphis has defenders at every position. We’ll need to make smart plays and convert open looks.”

Memphis will rely heavily on Jaren Jackson Jr., who is a key component of their offensive strategy. Jackson Jr. is currently averaging 23.4 points per game and has become a focal point since the absence of star guard Ja Morant, who is still recovering from injury. Morant’s return is anticipated but remains uncertain.

The Grizzlies’ recent success can largely be attributed to their depth and rebounding prowess, leading the league in rebounds per game at 47.9. However, their defense needs improvement, as they allow an average of 115.4 points, ranking 22nd in the league.

The Thunder, meanwhile, are recognized for their defensive capabilities, holding opponents to just 104.7 points per game—currently the best mark in the NBA. Head coach Mark Daigneault emphasized the importance of maintaining defensive discipline against a high-scoring team like Memphis.

“We need to protect the paint while also closing out on shooters,” Daigneault stated. “It’s a tough challenge, but our guys are prepared,”

Oklahoma City is listed as 2-point favorites in the matchup, with an over/under set at 241.5 points. The game promises to be a high-energy contest filled with playoff implications as both teams jockey for position heading into the latter half of the season.

The tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM CT, and fans can catch the action on NBA League Pass and Griffin Media, 98.1 FM The Sports Animal.