OKC Thunder: 3 keys vs. Grizzlies feature trade deadline auditions

Game specifics:

Records:

• Thunder: 19-24
• Grizzlies: 20-20

The Venue: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas

Tipoff:  8:00 PM ET  | 7:00 PM CT

TV: Fox Sports  Oklahoma | NBA League Pass

Radio: WWLS 98.1 FM OKC

Odds:

Injuries:

Since the All-Star break, the OKC Thunder have played seven games. Of those, Al Horford has appeared in just three matches with the explanation for the four games he sat cited as ‘rest.  A more accurate explanation could be ‘protection’ or ‘tank’.

The Thunder have utilized load management for Horford in the second games of back-to-back sets this season. Yet, this is extreme even under those parameters with the big man playing three times in 14 days.

Whether Sam Presti is getting calls for him or not it behooves the team to keep him safe in case the phone lights up prior to the deadline. Therefore, it was a bit surprising the Thunder are risking his participation Wednesday, however, as of posting he’s not on the NBA injury report.

The other clear option is the Thunder will seek to be somewhat less successful in the second half in order to improve their draft position. Don’t be surprised if that equates to players not participating if they sustain a minor injury.

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

Thunder:

• Darius Bazley will miss his eighth game with a shoulder contusion.
• George Hill remains is still out healing from his thumb injury (read: make sure he’s healthy to trade).
• Josh Hall remains out with left knee soreness.
• Meyers Leonard is not with the team

Grizzlies:

• Jaren Jackson Jr. hasn’t played this season as he continues to rehab from a torn ACL. On March 11th a report stated Jackson Jr. is expected to return within a couple of weeks.

History:

The clubs have played each other 94 times in the regular season over the franchise’s history. The OKC Thunder hold the advantage in those matches winning 64 times versus 30 for the Grizzlies.

This match is the third and final meeting of the season with each team having won once. Memphis won the initial meeting on February 17th 122-113 while the Thunder won the March 14th contest by a score of 128-122.

Last season, the squads played on three occasions with the Grizzlies winning two of the meetings.

Enjoy the game and check back tomorrow for insights from the game.