Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Preview

WHO: Memphis Grizzlies (51-30, 16-24 away) vs. Oklahoma City (39-42, 23-17 home)

WHEN: 2:30 PM

WHERE: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Injury Report:

Memphis: Steven Adams (out, knee), Jake Laravia (out, calf), Brandon Clarke (out, achillies), Santi Aldama (doubtful, elbow), Desmond Bane (doubtful, knee), Dillon Brooks (doubtful, groin), Jaren Jackson Jr. (doubtful, elbow), Tyus Jones (doubtful, foot), Ja Morant (doubtful, hand), Ziaire Williams (probable, foot)

Oklahoma City: Luguentz Dort (out, shoulder), Josh Giddey (out, rest), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (out, abdomen), Chet Holmgren (out, foot), Aleksej Pokesevski (out, knee), Jalen Williams (out, wrist), Jaylin Williams (out, knee) Kenrich Williams (out, wrist)

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP:

Memphis: Luke Kennard, John Konchar, Ziaire Williams, David Roddy, Xavier Tillman

Oklahoma City: Your Guess Is As Good As Mine!

The Memphis Grizzlies will wrap up their 2022-2023 regular season campaign against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Oklahoma City. With both the Grizzlies and Thunder already knowing where they will be in the playoffs, there is really nothing on the line other than getting experience for young players and completing the season. With that in mind, that is exactly what the Grizzlies should be focused on today.

After yesterday’s news regarding Steven Adams and Kenneth Lofton Jr., the Grizzlies big focus will be on getting a good game in from their front court depth. It would make sense to feature Xavier Tillman, David Roddy, and Kenneth Lofton Jr. quite a bit in order to have some good momentum for each player going into the postseason. With injuries to Adams and Brandon Clarke and the status of Santi Aldama in the air, each of the aforementioned players could play postseason minutes.

Beyond featuring the front court, another big focus for Memphis should be ending the season on a good note for Ziaire Williams. It is no secret that Williams has experienced a difficult second year in the league due to injuries. However, if he can find some success to end the season, it would be a great way for him to go into the postseason and offseason on a positive note. With the Grizzlies experiencing injuries to key players, Williams could be relied upon at some point during the postseason.

Beyond an opportunity to feature the young players, the Grizzlies also can continue focusing on strategy that could bring them success in the postseason. Part of that strategy could be using Luke Kennard and Tillman as facilitators on offense, while also continue to feature getting good looks from beyond the arc. Success from three will be critical for the Grizzlies in the postseason, and the need for that success will extend to the entire roster. A good shooting game will provide additional experience to the talents in this game that may see their number called in the postseason.

Overall, while there is not anything to play for, the Grizzlies will likely want to earn a win to end the season. In addition, they certainly want their young players to have end their individual campaigns on a positive note. While the result of this game has no significance, the experience gained for the Memphis depth could be valuable as time progresses.

FINAL SCORE: Memphis 108, Oklahoma City 104