Preview 54 of 82: Grizzlies @ Thunder
Time: 7:00 PM CST
TV: Fox Sports Oklahoma
Game Notes: Thunder / Grizzlies
The Oklahoma City Thunder (34-19) return to action tonight in Oklahoma City, taking on the trade-torn Memphis Grizzlies (23-33) at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Thunder had a quiet trade deadline, as the winners of eight of their last nine games declined to make a move prior to the 2:00 PM cut-off. On the other hand, the Grizzlies traded a chunk of their roster and could have trouble fielding an entire team tonight in OKC.
Tip-off is at 7:00 PM CST and will be televised on Fox Sports Oklahoma. The Thunder are 13.5-point home favorites according to Odds Shark.
Injury Report
Thunder
- Alex Abrines: Out — Personal
- Andre Roberson: Out — Knee
Grizzlies
- Kyle Anderson: Questionable — Shoulder
- Yuta Watanabe: Probable — Ankle
- Joakim Noah: Doubtful — Heel
- Dillon Brooks: Out — Toe
- Omri Casspi: Out — Knee
- Avery Bradley: Out — Just traded to MEM
- CJ Miles: Out — Just traded to MEM
- Jonas Valanciunas: Out — Just traded to MEM
- Delon Wright: Out — Just traded to MEM
- Tyler Dorsey: Out — Just traded to MEM
Probable Starters
Grizzlies: Mike Conley, Justin Holiday, Julian Washburn, Jaren Jackson Jr, Ivan Rabb
Stats
Advanced
| Team | ORTG | DRTG | NET RTG | PACE | PIE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEM | 103.9 | 106.6 | -2.7 | 95.94 | 48.8 |
| OKC | 110 | 105.1 | 4.9 | 104.08 | 51.9 |
Four Factors
| Team | EFG | FTA% | TO% | OREB% | OP EFG | OP FTA | OP TO | OP OREB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEM | 50.6 | 0.268 | 14.6 | 23.2 | 51.8 | 0.298 | 16.3 | 27.8 |
| OKC | 51.9 | 0.276 | 13.6 | 29.7 | 51.9 | 0.262 | 16.8 | 26.7 |
What to Watch For
RIP GnG. Though Mike Conley remains in Memphis (for now), the Grit n’ Grind era of Grizzlies basketball officially ended today with Marc Gasol’s trade to Toronto. There were some great Thunder/Grizz playoff match-ups over the years and they were always likable enough. This is me pouring one out for the GnG era. You had a good run.
Bear Necessities. So, uh, below is a list of the players Memphis traded away over the last few hours. The ol’ regular rotation took a massive blow.
- Marc Gasol (TOR)
- Garrett Temple (LAC)
- JaMychal Green (LAC)
- Shelvin Mack (ATL)
With starting small forward Kyle Anderson injured and “only available in case of emergencies”, J.B. Bickerstaff’s cupboard is nearly all the way empty ahead of this one. They’ll be better off when their new additions are able to take the floor — but it’s a skeleton crew tonight in OKC. The Thunder can and absolutely should take advantage of Mike Conley & Jaren Jackson Jr. vs the World.
MVPG. Paul George is on an absolute heater as of late, dropping 35+ points in five straight games — tied for the longest streak in Thunder history. His scoring average is up to 28 PPG this season and he’s hitting 40.6 percent of his attempts from long distance. With Memphis being so thin tonight at the ‘Peake, I don’t suspect PG13 will be slowing down.
The Brodie. Russell Westbrook gets the most difficult matchup of the night in Conley, but, like George, he shouldn’t have much trouble against a depleted Grizzlies roster. He’s rolling in on a seven-game triple-double streak — tied with Michel Jordan for second-longest streak of all-time. If he’s going to move past MJ, tonight’s a good night to do it.
Nick Gallo’s game day report:
