OKC Thunder vs Grizzlies Game 3 preview: How to watch, history, injury report, last meeting, odds

The Thunder have dominated this series so far. Head coach Mark Daigneault credited his team’s perseverance and discipline in Game 2 which “was a little muddy” but ultimately swung OKC’s way thanks to the Thunder defense

“I thought just our perseverance in the third to just grind through that quarter… we ended up with a bunch of offensive rebounds, I think 12 in the second half,” said Daigneault. “We just manufactured second-half offense to win.”

While the Thunder's offensive rhythm came and went, especially in the third quarter, it was their defense that shone brightest. Daigneault pointed to the defensive contributions of Alex Caruso, who delivered key plays in pivotal moments.

“He was unbelievable,” said Daigneault. “The block on Morant, the jump ball on the Jackson post-up… He was a catalyst in that group that started the fourth.”

Oklahoma City is riding a five-game winning streak and is 32-8 on the road this year, winning by an average of 13. Grizzlies have not been great at home late in the season, going 4-6 in the last ten games at FedEx. OKC has rarely been tested in two games, answering even brief moments of positive play for the Grizzlies with big runs.

Did you know?

Through the first two games of their playoff series, the Thunder have outscored the Grizzlies 48-8 in fast-break points.

Memphis was the NBA’s No. 2 scoring team in the regular season, two spots ahead of the Thunder

The Thunder currently leads the playoffs in points per game with 124.5

OKC has forced 39 turnovers in this series

THUNDER COVERAGE ⚡

🏀For more OKC Thunder Playoff coverage, CLICK HERE.

🏀Chet Holmgren joins elite company with Game 2 performance

Full Injury Report:

Dieng, Ousmane Out Injury/Illness - Left Calf; Strain Topic,

Nikola Out Injury/Illness - Left Knee; Surgery

Memphis

Clarke, Brandon Out Injury/Illness - Right Knee; PCL Sprain

Wells, Jaylen Out Injury/Illness - Right Wrist; Fracture/Facial Laceration/Concussion Protocol

Last Matchup

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 27 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Memphis Grizzlies 118-99 on Tuesday, taking a 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series.

Following their 131-80 blowout in Game 1, OKC jumped out to a 9-0 lead and never looked back, holding Memphis scoreless for the first 3.5 minutes. They led 32-17 after the first quarter and maintained control throughout.

Jalen Williams added 24 points, and Chet Holmgren posted 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocks. Despite shooting just 10-for-29, Gilgeous-Alexander found his rhythm in the second quarter, helping OKC hit a franchise playoff-record 12 threes in the first half to lead 70-52 at the break.

Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 26 and Ja Morant had 23 for Memphis, who cut the lead to single digits in the third before OKC pulled away again. Cason Wallace’s highlight dunk in the fourth capped a 4-minute Memphis scoring drought and sealed the win.

The Thunder have now beaten the Grizzlies by double digits in all six meetings this season. Game 3 is Thursday in Memphis.

Thunder vs. Grizzlies – Playoff History

1. 2011 Western Conference Semifinals

1. Series result: Thunder won 4–3
2. A gritty, physical series that went the distance. Game 4 went to triple overtime, and Game 7 saw OKC pull away late at home.
3. Key players: Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook (OKC) / Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol (MEM)

2. 2013 Western Conference First Round

1. Series result: Grizzlies won 4–1
2. Russell Westbrook tore his meniscus in the first round, and OKC couldn’t keep up without him. Memphis locked down defensively and won four straight after dropping Game 1.
3. Key players: Durant (OKC) / Mike Conley, Gasol, Randolph (MEM)

3. 2014 Western Conference First Round

1. Series result: Thunder won 4–3
2. Every game in the series was decided by single digits; four of the seven games went to overtime.
3. Durant was named MVP that season and delivered clutch performances late.
4. Game 7 note: Memphis was without Zach Randolph (suspension) and Mike Conley (injury), and OKC rolled.

This 2025 series marks the first time these teams have faced off in the postseason in over a decade, and it’s their fourth overall playoff meeting. OKC leads the all-time series 2–1.

Looking Ahead

Western Conference First Round – Thunder vs. Grizzlies

1. Game 4: Saturday, April 26 – at FedExForum – 2:30 PM (TNT / FanDuel Sports Network)
2. Game 5: Monday, April 28 – at Paycom Center – Time/TV TBD (if necessary)
3. Game 6: Thursday, May 1 – at FedExForum – Time/TV TBD (if necessary)
4. Game 7: Saturday, May 3 – at Paycom Center – Time/TV TBD (if necessary)

Game Info

April 24, 2025, 8:30

FedExForum, Memphis

Watch: TNT, FanDuel Oklahoma

Odds

The Thunder are listed as 9.5-point favorites via FanDuel