The Memphis Grizzlies face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, December 22, at 9:30 PM ET at Paycom Center. Memphis enters with a 1-game losing streak, while Oklahoma City also looks to bounce back after a narrow defeat.
The teams met once this season, with the Thunder winning 114-100 on November 9 in Memphis. The Grizzlies hold a 13-15 record, and Oklahoma City leads the Western Conference at 25-3.
Memphis will be without Ja Morant (left ankle), Brandon Clarke (right calf), Zach Edey (left ankle), Ty Jerome (right calf), and several others recovering from surgery or toe injuries. Scotty Pippen Jr., John Konchar, Javon Small, and Vince Williams Jr. are also sidelined.
Oklahoma City is missing Ousmane Dieng (right calf), Isaiah Hartenstein (right soleus), Thomas Sorber, Nikola Topic, and Jaylin Williams (surgical recoveries). Alex Caruso and Aaron Wiggins are questionable, while Chet Holmgren is dealing with low back spasms.
Jaren Jackson Jr. leads Memphis with 18.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, while Santi Aldama averages 13.8 points and 6.6 rebounds. Cedric Coward contributes 13.4 points and 6.2 rebounds.
The Thunder rely heavily on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who posts 32.5 points, 6.4 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game. Chet Holmgren averages 18.7 points and 7.8 rebounds, and Jalen Williams adds 17.6 points and 5.1 rebounds.
Recent form shows Memphis with wins over the Timberwolves and Clippers, while Oklahoma City lost 112-107 to Minnesota after beating Los Angeles.
