Memphis Grizzlies vs Oklahoma City Thunder picks, predictions, odds: Who wins NBA playoffs first round series.?

The No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder and No. 8 seed Memphis Grizzlies play in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs starting Sunday, April 20.

The Oklahoma City Thunder finally know its first round matchup in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. After the NBA Play-In Tournament wrapped up on Friday night, it was decided that the OKC Thunder would take on the Memphis Grizzlies in Round 1.

Memphis got out to a massive lead at home over the Dallas Mavericks, swelling a 25 point lead before the half. Dallas tried to rally in the third frame, trimming the lead to just nine, but the Grizzlies more than got the car back on the road and landed on a lopsided win to end the Mavericks season.

The Grizzlies went 48-34 in the regular season, a resume that included four losses to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Thunder were able to dominate the Grizzlies in the regular season winning those four matchups by 25, 13, 17 and 21 points en route to a series sweep.

Game 1 of the best-of-seven series is set for noon CT Sunday in Oklahoma City. OKC (68-14) went 4-0 in the regular season against Memphis (48-34).

Oklahoma City should be able to make quick work of the No. 8 seeded Memphis Grizzlies. Though, the series will be interesting as it is headlined by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane and Chet Holmgren.

Who will win the series and advance to the Western Conference semifinals?

Check out these NBA playoffs series picks and predictions for the first-round matchup.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies predictions, NBA playoffs picks

Memphis Commercial Appeal: Thunder will beat Grizzlies in five games

Jonah Dylan writes: "It's hard to pick anyone to beat this Thunder team in a seven-game series, and the Grizzlies barely eked their way into the playoffs. Still, it's hard to pick a team to go 8-0 over another team. Memphis gets a win at home, but the Thunder win the series comfortably."

Sports Illustrated: Thunder will defeat Grizzlies in NBA playoffs

Rylan Stiles writes: "Oklahoma City should be able to make quick work of the No. 8 seeded Memphis Grizzlies. Though, the series will be interesting as it is headlined by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane and Chet Holmgren."

USA TODAY Sports: Thunder will advance past Grizzlies in five games

It writes: "The Thunder were the only team to finish in the top three in offensive (third) and defensive rating (first) and had the league’s best net rating at plus-12.7 points per 100 possessions – the second-best net rating in NBA history."

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Yahoo Sports: Thunder will win series vs Grizzlies in five games

Ben Rohrbach writes: "Can anyone take advantage of Oklahoma City’s playoff inexperience? It matters whether you have been there before. Just look at the history of the league. But it may not matter for the Thunder. Led by a 26-year-old Shai Gilgeous-Alexaner, they could be too talented, too deep and too rabid to let anyone, even all-time greats, stand in their way of a title."

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Oklahoma City Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies: NBA playoffs odds

The Thunder are -1800 to win the series in NBA playoffs odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook. The Grizzlies are +900.

The Thunder winning in four games is at +165 in odds for the outcome of the series. Oklahoma City is at +195 to win in five games, +500 to win in six games and +550 to win in seven games.

The Grizzlies are +2200 to beat the Thunder in seven games, +2200 to win in six games, +5000 to win in five games and +7000 to sweep Oklahoma City.

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