Playoff Preview: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies in First Round
Rewritten Article:
Ready for some hoops action? The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Memphis Grizzlies are set to face off in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs this Sunday at noon. Here's what you need to know about this high-stakes series.
If you're looking for a thrilling atmosphere, the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City is the place to be. With the town buzzing, the crowd will be nothing short of electric. With a potential NBA Finals appearance on the line, the Thunder are ready to make their mark.
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of this series, let's take a look at the schedule. Expect an intense and grueling week of basketball as the following games are set:
- Game 1: Sunday, April 20 (12:00 p.m. CT) - ABC
- Game 2: Tuesday, April 22 (6:30 p.m. CT) - TNT
- Game 3: Thursday, April 24 (8:30 p.m. CT) - TNT
- Game 4: Saturday, April 26 (2:30 p.m. CT) - TNT
- Game 5: Monday, April 28 (Time TBD) - Network TBD
- Game 6: Thursday, May 1 (Time TBD) - Network TBD
- Game 7: Saturday, May 3 (Time TBD) - Network TBD
Memories of the Regular Season
Memphis and Oklahoma City crossed paths four times during the regular season, with the Thunder securing a clean sweep. These games, however, weren't entirely representative as neither team was at full strength. Now, with key players like Jaylen Wells and Brandon Clarke out for the season, the Thunder will undoubtedly feel confident as they face the Grizzlies again.
Things to Keep an Eye On
As the series unfolds, there are a few key factors worth paying attention to:
- Ja Morant's Health: The Grizzlies' star point guard, Ja Morant, has been battling an ankle injury but plans to take the court for Game 1. He may not be at full strength, but his presence on the court remains crucial.
- The Battle of the Frontcourt: Both Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey are likely to play pivotal roles as the frontcourt stars for their respective teams. Edey, in particular, could make a significant impact as a rookie in this game.
- The Thunder's Rhythm: The Thunder have had over a week of rest since their last game. Regaining their rhythm and getting their role players into a groove will be crucial as they move further into the playoffs.
The Bottom Line
With a near-perfect record against the Grizzlies during the regular season, Betting odds of a 4-0 sweep by the Thunder seem entirely plausible. Don't discount the underdog spirit of the Grizzlies, but with Oklahoma City looking solid and poised for greatness, it seems like a Thunder series victory is on the cards. Stay tuned for an action-packed showdown!
- The Oklahoma City Thunder, with the Paycom Center promising an electric atmosphere, will face off against theMemphis Grizzlies in the first round of NBA playoffs this Sunday at noon.
- In the upcoming playoff series, the schedule features a grueling week of basketball games, including six potential matchups listed on TNT and ABC.
- Oklahoma City Thunder has a near-perfect record against the Memphis Grizzlies during the regular season, leading to betting odds that offer a possible 4-0 sweep by the Thunder.
- As the Thunder and Grizzlies series progresses, players like Ja Morant's health, the frontcourt battle, and the Thunder's rhythm will be essential factors worth watching.
