Key Picks, Predictions, and Props to Consider for Game 2 Between the Grizzlies and Thunder

• The Thunder are 14.5-point favorites over the Grizzlies in Game 2 of their 1st Round Playoff series on Tuesday
• OKC held Desmond Bane and Ja Morant to 26 points in Game 1, on 9-of-29 shooting
• See The Grizzlies vs Thunder Picks, Predictions and Props to Target in Game 2, below

Game 1 of the Grizzlies vs Thunder series produced one of the biggest blowouts ever seen in the NBA playoff bracket. Online sportsbooks expect another comfortable OKC win in Game 2, pegging the Thunder as massive home chalk. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:40pm ET inside the Paycom Center, in Oklahoma City, OK with TNT and truTV providing the broadcast coverage.

Memphis Grizzlies vs OKC Thunder Predictions

My prediction is that oddsmakers are probably right, although I don’t see value on either the Grizzlies or Thunder against the spread. I’d prefer to bet the under on Memphis’ point total, because I just don’t see how they’re going to generate sustainable offense against this OKC team.

The Thunder had the NBA’s highest defensive rating in the regular season, and it showed in their 131-80 Game 1 victory. OKC held the Grizzlies to to 34% shooting from the field, and 18% for three. They clamped down on Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, Memphis’ two best scorers, limiting them to 26 points total, on 9-of-29 shooting.

MEM vs OKC 2024-25 Stats

Hard to believe, but Morant and Bane were a combined -76 in Game 1. The Thunder forced 24 turnovers, and racked up 8 blocks. They allowed only 5 fast break points, and just 18 assists. By comparison, OKC scored 27 points off the break, and had over twice as many dimes (37).

OKC is long, tenacious, and lightning quick on D. They’re always in the right position and they contest every single shot. Despite his speed, Morant has nowhere to go. If he does beat his man off the dribble, there’s always someone there to meet him who can either protect the rim or force him into a bad shot.

Yes, the Thunder’s offense is also elite, but it’s the defense that makes them such a popular selection in the NBA Championship odds. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA in defensive win shares, while three of his teammates also ranked in the top-20.

Memphis Grizzlies vs Oklahoma City Thunder Picks

• Memphis Grizzlies Under 107.5 Points (-108 at FanDuel)

I don’t expect Memphis to be held to 80 points again, but I just don’t see how they’re topping 107.5 unless OKC completely no shows. The Thunder held the Grizzlies below 107 points in three of four regular season meetings, and the only time they didn’t they were missing Chet Holmgren, one of their primary rim defenders.

Grizzlies vs Thunder Odds

The best price we can get on Memphis under 107.5 points, is -108 at FanDuel. OKC is a 14.5-point favorite for the game, and is laying -1050 on the moneyline. The total currently sits at 229, with the Grizzlies coming back as +675 ‘dogs.

Per the NBA public betting trends, the Thunder held an opponent below 107.5 points 47 times during the regular season, by far the most in the NBA.

Odds as of April 21 at DraftKings and FanDuel. See the DraftKings promo code details before signing up.

Grizzlies vs Thunder Player Props

NBA props from DraftKings Sportsbook on April 21. Download the top NBA betting apps before the NBA playoffs.

Grizzlies vs Thunder Prop Bets to Target: Desmond Bane Under 19.5 Points (-120 at DraftKings)

If we expect Memphis to struggle to score, then the likelihood of their stars falling short of the points prop is raised. Bane is the Grizzly I want to bet against in Game 2, as the Thunder simply have his number.

Bane is averaging only 13.9 points per game versus OKC in five matchups this season, and is shooting sub 35% from the field. He can’t create effectively off the dribble against the Thunder’s more athletic guards, so he’s essentially been reduced to a three-point shooter.

That’s a problem against OKC, as no team in the NBA yielded a lower shooting percentage from beyond the arc. Memphis was 6-of-34 from three in Game 1, no that’s not a typo, while Bane was just 1-of-6.

After a thrilling Game 1 between the Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder, fans are eagerly anticipating Game 2 to see if the Grizzlies can maintain their momentum or if the Thunder will bounce back. With key players on both teams stepping up in the first game, there are several key picks, predictions, and props to consider for Game 2.

One key pick to consider for Game 2 is the performance of Ja Morant. The Grizzlies’ star point guard had an impressive showing in Game 1, scoring 35 points and dishing out 10 assists. Morant’s ability to penetrate the Thunder’s defense and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates will be crucial in Game 2. Look for Morant to continue his aggressive play and put up big numbers once again.

Another key pick to consider is the battle in the paint between Jonas Valanciunas and Al Horford. Valanciunas dominated the boards in Game 1, pulling down 23 rebounds to go along with his 21 points. Horford, on the other hand, struggled to contain Valanciunas and was limited to just 6 points and 5 rebounds. If Valanciunas can continue to control the glass and establish himself as a force inside, the Grizzlies will have a significant advantage in Game 2.

In terms of predictions, look for the Thunder to make adjustments defensively to try and contain Morant and limit his impact on the game. The Thunder have a talented roster with players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort who can step up on both ends of the floor. If they can slow down Morant and force the Grizzlies to rely on their supporting cast, the Thunder have a good chance of evening up the series.

As for props to consider, keep an eye on the over/under for total points scored in the game. Both teams have shown they are capable of putting up big numbers offensively, so a high-scoring affair could be in store for Game 2. Additionally, consider betting on players like Dillon Brooks or Darius Bazley to have a breakout performance and exceed their point totals.

Overall, Game 2 between the Grizzlies and Thunder promises to be another exciting matchup with plenty of storylines to follow. Keep these key picks, predictions, and props in mind as you watch the game unfold and see if your predictions come to fruition.