Ja Morant (hamstring) has already been ruled out for the Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder game, and his team has been struggling over the past 10 days. They’ll need a strong effort against one of the NBA’s best squads.
Can they pull it off tonight?
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Best Bet
Morant’s absence for a sixth straight game puts Memphis in a tough position. Its up-tempo style has been a key part of its identity, but it has struggled to adjust without its star point guard. Facing the NBA’s top-ranked defense isn’t exactly the ideal time to get back on track.
We can't get enough of this Thunder defense 😌 pic.twitter.com/iQZGPAZuH6
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) March 24, 2025
In the five games since Morant’s injury, Memphis’ pace has dropped by 4.3% compared to the 15 games before. While it exploded for 140 points against a struggling Jazz team on Tuesday, this matchup presents a far tougher challenge.
The Grizzlies’ halfcourt offense could be in trouble against a long and physical Thunder defense. Oklahoma City has the league’s lowest turnover rate this season, and with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander running the show, transition opportunities are scarce. That means the Grizzlies will have to create offense in the halfcourt—who steps up in that role?
Desmond Bane?
He’s posted seven assists against seven turnovers in 59 minutes over his last two games against playoff teams. While he’s shown flashes of drive-and-dish playmaking, it’s inconsistent. Without Morant to draw defenders, creating open looks becomes even harder.
Scotty Pippen Jr.?
The second-year guard has reached double-digit assists twice in Morant’s absence and continues to develop, but his aggressiveness remains a question mark. He hasn’t attempted a free throw in his last two games (51 minutes), and against a disciplined Thunder defense, facilitating becomes even more difficult.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is the biggest X-factor, but with Chet Holmgren lurking in the paint, his efficiency could take a hit. He shot 8-of-12 against the Utah Jazz, but in his two games before that (vs. Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers), he was just 14-of-42 (33.3%) from the field.
These teams last met just over three weeks ago, when the Thunder dominated in a 120-103 win in Memphis. Morant played in that game, sparking an offense that scored 20 transition points and earned 22 free-throw attempts—yet the Grizzlies still managed only 103 points.
Memphis also shot just 26.5% from deep in that loss. While some positive regression from 3-point range is possible, they’ll also be dealing with fewer possessions and tougher shot quality without Morant. That makes a projection closer to their previous output more reasonable than what sportsbooks have set.
For those looking for extra value, consider targeting the Grizzlies’ scoring and assist props. If the team total is inflated, individual player lines may be, too.
Pick: Grizzlies under 114.5 points