The Oklahoma City Thunder (41-9) and Memphis Grizzlies (35-16) will meet in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. ET from FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. The game will be broadcast live on FDSSE and NBA League Pass.
The Thunder are 2-point favorites over the Grizzlies on the spread (Thunder -2), with the over/under set at 242.5 total points. Oklahoma City is a -130 favorite to win outright, while Memphis is +110 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Thunder vs. Grizzlies predictions and NBA picks for Saturday, February 8.
Thunder vs. Grizzlies Picks, Prediction
Spread
I make this Thunder -4.3, so I'll lay the points.
Moneyline
I project the money line at -200 vs. the -130 line consensus.
I don't advise playing the moneyline because OKC is 32-9 (78%) ATS when they win as a favorites.
Over/Under
Despite the risk of OKC forcing turnovers to increase pace, I'll back two top-five defenses with the Under here.
My Picks: Thunder -2 | Under 242.5
Thunder vs. Grizzlies Odds
| Thunder Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2 -112 | 242.5 -110 / -110 | -130 |
| Grizzlies Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2 -108 | 242.5 -110 / -110 | +110 |
- Thunder vs. Grizzlies spread: Thunder -2
- Thunder vs. Grizzlies over/under: 242.5 points
- Thunder vs. Grizzlies moneyline: Thunder -130, Grizzlies +110
- Thunder vs. Grizzlies best bet: Thunder -2, Under 242.5
My Grizzlies vs. Thunder best bets are on Oklahoma City to cover the spread as well as the Under, with the best lines currently available at DraftKings. But as always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
Thunder vs. Grizzlies Preview
The Thunder are on the second night of a back-to-back. They're 7-2 straight up and 5-4 ATS with no rest this season.
Memphis has struggled with elite teams. They are 6-8 straight up with a -5.1 spread differential against teams with a top-10 net rating and 4-5 with a -4.1 spread differential against those teams when they have a top-10 defense.
The Thunder will be without Chet Holmgren, who is unlikely to play on the second night of a back-to-back after returning from injury.
OKC has struggled on the road as a favorite vs. good teams, going 3-5 ATS against teams over .500 as a road favorite. However, they are 8-3 ATS when favored by less than 5 points.
From a matchup perspective, Memphis is still reliant on their transition offense. Their half-court offense has improved this season to 13th, but they still generate the most possessions and points per game in transition. OKC is elite defensively at limiting both scoring and opportunities.
Memphis' defense is great at rotating and closing out on shooters, as well as contesting at the rim, but they are vulnerable to pick-and-roll scorers. Unfortunately, assuming he plays, they'll be up against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who should have a huge night.
I make this line Thunder -4.3 vs. the -2 line. With it inside two possessions, I'll lay the points.
Memphis is .500 over/under at home, and the Thunder are .500 over/under on the road and on back-to-backs.
There are no trends to back a play. However, Memphis will focus on limiting the Thunder's supporting players and protecting the rim from cuts while guarding the three-point line. The Thunder will focus on slowing down the Grizzlies' transition attack.
If Memphis wins, it will be on the back of grinding down the Thunder offense and running off it. OKC will protect the rim and force turnovers.
The Thunder force the most turnovers, and Memphis has the fourth-highest turnover rate. That can fuel the over here. But I'm willing to go the other way on a high number and trust two top-five defenses.
Best Bets: Thunder -2 (-110), Under 242.5 (-110)
Same Game Parlay Picks
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 34.5 Points
- Grizzlies Team Total Under 117.5 Points
- Thunder -2
Parlay Payout: +455
Grizzlies vs. Thunder Betting Trends
