If you haven’t been paying attention to the OKC Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies matchups lately, honestly, you’re missing out on some of the strangest basketball in the Western Conference.
It used to be a bloodbath. Remember the Grit-and-Grind days? Zach Randolph and Tony Allen basically turning every game into a wrestling match? Now, it’s shifted. It’s faster, sure, but it’s also become incredibly lopsided. As of early 2026, the Thunder have won 14 straight games against Memphis. Fourteen. That’s not just a winning streak; it's a statistical anomaly in a league that prides itself on parity.
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The Recent Reality Check
The latest chapter in the OKC Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies saga went down on January 9, 2026, and it was a mess. A beautiful, chaotic mess. Both teams showed up to the FedExForum looking more like a hospital ward than an NBA roster.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was out with elbow bursitis. Chet Holmgren was sidelined with a back sprain. On the other side, Memphis was missing Ja Morant, Zach Edey, and Scottie Pippen Jr. You’d think a game between two "B-teams" would be a snoozer, but it turned into a one-point thriller.
The Thunder clawed back from a 21-point deficit to win 117-116. Jalen Williams—who everyone in OKC just calls "JDub"—basically put the team on his back. He dropped 26 points and 10 assists. It sort of highlighted why OKC is sitting at 34-7 right now. Even when their MVP candidate is in street clothes, they have this weird, systemic "next man up" energy that Memphis just hasn't cracked yet.
Why Memphis Can't Buy a Win
It is kinda wild to think about. Memphis has some of the best interior defense potential in the league with Jaren Jackson Jr., yet they keep getting carved up. In their 2025 playoff meeting, OKC swept them 4-0. The scores weren't even close most of the time. Game 1 was a 51-point blowout (131-80).
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Basically, the Thunder have built a roster that exploits every single one of the Grizzlies' weaknesses.
- Spacing: OKC plays five-out, pulling Jaren Jackson Jr. away from the rim.
- Turnovers: Memphis has been averaging nearly 15 turnovers a game in recent matchups.
- Transition: The Thunder are young and fast. If you miss a layup against them, the ball is down the other end before you can even complain to the ref.
The SGA vs Ja Morant Factor
We need to talk about the Shai vs. Ja debate because it’s the heart of the OKC Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies dynamic. For years, people argued about who you’d rather build a franchise around. In 2026, that debate feels a bit more settled, but the contrast is still fascinating.
Shai is all about rhythm and pace. He’s a surgeon. He’ll get to his spot, pump fake you into oblivion, and draw a foul. Ja is a lightning bolt. When he’s healthy and on the court, Memphis is a top-four team. Without him? They’re currently struggling to stay in the play-in race, sitting at 17-22.
The stats from the 2024-2025 season really tell the story. Shai averaged 31.9 points on insane efficiency, while Ja’s season was hampered by injuries. When they actually meet on the floor, it’s a track meet. But the Thunder’s defensive depth—guys like Lu Dort and Alex Caruso—makes life a nightmare for a guard like Morant who lives in the paint.
What to Expect Moving Forward
If you're betting on the next OKC Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies game, you’ve gotta look at the health reports first. The "new" Thunder are deep, but they aren't invincible. They recently lost to the Hornets by 27 at home, proving that if their three-point shooting goes cold (they shot about 24% in that January 9th Memphis game), they can be beaten.
Memphis is in a weird spot. There are trade rumors swirling around Ja Morant—which sounds crazy, I know—but the frustration in that building is real. They need Zach Edey to become a consistent rim protector and they need their bench to stop giving up double-digit leads in the third quarter.
Expert Insights for Fans
If you're watching the next matchup, keep an eye on the "X-factors." For OKC, it’s Ajay Mitchell. He’s a rookie/sophomore type who has been playing with zero fear. For Memphis, it’s all about whether Jaren Jackson Jr. can stay out of foul trouble. When JJJ is on the bench, the Thunder treat the paint like an open highway.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Monitor the Injury Report: Check the status of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s elbow and Chet Holmgren’s back at least two hours before tip-off; the line moves significantly based on their availability.
- Watch the Turnover Battle: If Memphis keeps their turnovers under 12, they usually cover the spread. If they hit 15+, it’s a blowout for OKC.
- Focus on Jalen Williams: With SGA occasionally resting, JDub is the primary playmaker. His usage rate skyrockets in these matchups, making him a prime target for fantasy players or prop bettors.
- Check the Seating: If you’re heading to the Paycom Center or FedExForum, watch for late scratches. This rivalry has been defined by "Load Management" and minor injuries lately.
The Thunder are currently the kings of this matchup, but in the NBA, 14-game winning streaks don't last forever. Memphis is desperate, and a desperate team with Jaren Jackson Jr. is always dangerous. Regardless of the streak, the energy in the building when these two play is always top-tier.