NBA DFS Picks for the Playoffs: Grizzlies vs Thunder – Game 2

Each NBA playoff series is through Game 1, and there was no bigger blowout than the opening contest between the Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder. While many experts predicted the Thunder to take Game 1, it’s safe to say that most fans and experts were surprised by their dominating 131-80 victory over the Grizz. However, that game is done and dusted, and Memphis will try to turn things around with a much-needed win in Game 2 tonight.

Let’s dive into my NBA DFS picks for tonight’s Grizzlies vs Thunder matchup and highlight why I anticipate another big win for OKC.

Grizzlies vs Thunder Game 1 Recap

The No. 1 seed in the Western Conference completely dismantled the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, and the visitors never had a chance even to keep this game close. The Grizz led 9-8 with just under seven minutes left in the first quarter before OKC went on a 24-11 run to close the quarter before outscoring Memphis by 20 in the 2nd quarter. If you thought the Thunder would sit on their 32-point halftime lead, you were wrong, as they outscored Memphis by 17 in the 3rd quarter and even won the 4th quarter by 2 points. The 51-point victory for the hosts marked the biggest Game 1 win in NBA playoffs history and goes down as the fifth-biggest win in postseason history.

The craziest part about OKC’s big victory is that their star and NBA MVP favorite didn’t shoot the ball well, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was just 4-13 from the floor and scored 15 points. However, Aaron Wiggings (21 points), Jalen Williams (20 points) and Chet Holmgren (19 points) led the way, while Isaiah Hartenstein (14 points) and Luguentz Dort (12 points) rounded out six different Thunder players in double figures. Alex Caruso played just 12 minutes off the bench for OKC, scoring 0 points, and posted a plus-minus of +30, indicating how the Thunder dominated Memphis’ starting five and bench.

There aren’t too many positives to write home about for the Grizzlies, as Ja Morant (-25 plus-minus) was the only one who started with a +/- above -35. However, he was just 6-17 from the floor and shared the team-high in points with bench big man Marvin Bagley III. The Duke product was the only shining star for Memphis, as Bagley was 8-8 from the floor, pulling in 5 rebounds with his 17 points. Outside of those two, there wasn’t another Grizzlies player in double figures, rebounds or assists. Morant said after the game, “We’ll never play that bad again”, and while that’s likely true, I’m not sure that Memphis can turn things around in Game 2.

Grizzlies vs Thunder DFS Picks and Predictions for Game 2

Although the Thunder scored 131 points, putting up 32+ points in every quarter outside the 4th when most of their team sat, I was more impressed with their stifling defense. Their pressure was specifically evident by their guard play, as they forced 22 turnovers. Jalen Williams and Luguentz Dort had 3 steals apiece, and I anticipate that both players will bring that same energy tonight.

One player who couldn’t seem to get things together in Game 1 was the Grizzlies Desmond Bane. He posted a -51 plus-minus, going 3-12 from the field with 4 turnovers. I don’t expect him to shoot as poorly tonight, but I’m not sure how he’ll magically take care of the basketball against a Thunder backcourt with multiple elite defenders. Bane has 13 turnovers in the five games Memphis has played OKC this season, and we should be in store for a similar story tonight. Back the Memphis guard to turn the ball over 3+ times.

Our Pick: Desmond Bane to Record 3+ Turnovers