Thunder Faced with Grizzlies: Will Upset Happen?

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — As the 2025 NBA playoffs tip-off, the Oklahoma City Thunder are heavily favored to win their opening series against the Memphis Grizzlies, the eighth-seeded team in the Western Conference. The Thunder, coming off an impressive regular season with 68 wins, are poised for a deep playoff run, while the Grizzlies aim to spring an upset.

Despite facing challenges this season, including the midseason firing of head coach Taylor Jenkins, Memphis tallied 48 wins—an impressive feat for an eighth seed. However, they now face a formidable opponent in OKC, who has built upon their talent and depth to secure a leading position in the West. Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league’s scoring leader, will pose a significant challenge for the Grizzlies.

“It feels good to be in this position,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “We’ve played hard all season, and we’re ready to show our strength in the playoffs.”

Memphis, led by star guard Ja Morant, has had its fair share of ups and downs this season. Morant is returning to form after managing an ankle injury that sidelined him for part of the season, and he will need to deliver standout performances against an athletic Thunder roster. His battle against OKC’s Lu Dort, known for his defensive prowess, will be critical. Morant’s ability to score and create plays might be the key for Memphis if they are to remain competitive in the series.

“I have to be ready to take control of the game,” Morant stressed. “It’s about stepping up when it matters the most.”

On the other hand, the Thunder are not only strong with Gilgeous-Alexander but also boast a deep rotation. Coach Mark Daigneault has shown a penchant for utilizing a nine- to ten-man rotation, emphasizing the versatility and stamina of his players. This depth enables OKC to maintain a relentless pace, overwhelming their opponents with fresh legs and energetic gameplay.

Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso, and Isaiah Joe are key players off the bench who contribute significantly to OKC’s success. The Thunder have been especially dominant in the first quarter, maintaining an impressive scoring margin of 17.1 points per 100 possessions over the last seven years, making them a tough opponent to counter.

To make matters more challenging for the Grizzlies, they will rely on Jaren Jackson Jr. and rookie Zach Edey to dominate the boards against Oklahoma City’s Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren. Jackson’s ability to defend both inside and on the perimeter will be essential for keeping the Thunder’s offensive options at bay.

Statistically, the Thunder shined this season with an 18-10 record in games where they trailed by at least ten points—marking the best performance of any team in the last 29 years. In contrast, the Grizzlies struggled slightly in key moments, holding a 42-11 record when leading by double digits.

As the playoffs progress, predictions indicate a potentially lopsided series favoring the Thunder. Many analysts, including senior stats analyst John Schuhmann, predict a clean sweep for Oklahoma City. “The Thunder are well-rounded and consistent, and a single game might prove difficult for Memphis, let alone the series,” Schuhmann remarked.

The first game of this highly anticipated playoff series is set to kick off soon, and fans on both sides will be eagerly monitoring the developments. As the action unfolds, one question remains: will the Grizzlies defy the odds and pull off an upset against the powerful Thunder?