True juggernauts so far this year, the 68-14 Oklahoma City Thunder, could complete a sweep of the series tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies in game four. Winning game one by a record margin of 51 points was a true statement of intent. Game three was remarkable for another feat: dramatically fighting back from a historic 29-point deficit to take the game and almost certainly end any hopes of the Grizzlies making this a series. Game four shifts to Memphis as the Grizzlies bid to stave off a very likely sweep.
NBA Playoffs Game 4: Grizzlies vs. OKC Thunder Predictions, How to Watch, and More
Where: FedEx Forum – Memphis, TN
Time: April 26th, 2.30 pm CT/ 3.30 pm ET.
How to Watch: TNT, FanDuel Sports Oklahoma.
Notes:
Memphis will head into this afternoon’s game without star Ja Morant after he suffered a hip injury from a scary fall attempting a dunk during the previous game.
OKC’s 29-point comeback was the largest half-time postseason comeback win in postseason history. Second-largest comeback in postseason history. Remarkable feat from a remarkable team.
What The Stats Say:
OKC’s 3-0 series lead has seen them dominate the stat sheet, and their 51-point Game One win can only be described as a massacre. In terms of shooting advantage, they led 50% to 34%, amassed 36 assists to the Grizzlies’ 18 in playmaking. The Thunder dominated their opposition on the boards with 54 rebounds compared to the Grizzlies’ 43. Furthermore, they amassed 60 points in the paint compared to their opponents’ 48.
OKC also dominated the Grizzlies in the next two games and we’re witnessing an already great team finding extra levels in the playoffs.
Key Matchup
Chet Holmgren v Zach Edey
Chet Holmgren put the team on his back in the comeback win, putting up 16 points in just nine minutes with four triples. Perhaps not coincidentally, it came after Morant celebrated and flexed in his face, only to wake up the beast. This is a sign of the overconfidence Memphis has been accused of previously, perhaps?
It also helped that the Grizzlies were preoccupied doubling up on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, leaving Holmgren alone to destroy the rookie Zach Edey. The rest, as they say, is history. Edey can’t handle Holmgren one-on-one or in the paint, which is perhaps the most significant mismatch.
Holmgren is averaging 21 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks this postseason, and he is shooting a magnificent 50% from three-point range.
Game 4: Grizzlies vs. OKC Thunder Predictions
The news that Ja Morant is almost certainly missing this afternoon’s game makes the task even more difficult for the Grizzlies, as they fell apart without him. They will be banking on Scotty Pippen Jr. to continue to play well, as he had an excellent previous game, amassing 28 points and five assists. Jaren Jackson recovered from a terrible opening showing of just four points on 2-13 shooting, by scoring 22 and 26 points respectively in the subsequent games. He will also be shouldering the scoring load.
As for the Thunder, the trio of Alexander, Holmgren, and Jalen Williams combined for 81 points in the third game. This juggernaut team shows no signs of stopping. As mentioned, they are dominating in every category. They are relentless in forcing steals and scoring in transition. Dominating on the glass and in the paint, they have one of the favorites for the league MVP in Alexander.
If OKC doesn’t take their foot off the gas by starting fast in Game Four, they will surely close out the sweep this afternoon.