As the NBA playoffs commence, a familiar theme emerges: expect stricter officiating. The Oklahoma City Thunder, known for their physical style, have faced challenges with a significant foul discrepancy during the regular season. They ranked among the top teams in committed fouls while also drawing the fewest, leading to limited free-throw opportunities.

In the playoffs, however, their defensive prowess has benefitted from a more favorable whistle, allowing them to thrive despite a slightly higher foul count. Coach Mark Daigneault highlights a trend of increased off-ball foul calls and seeks consistency from officials, stressing the importance of fair play as they prepare for their next opponent.

Mark Daigneault, at the helm of the Oklahoma City Thunder, prepares for his second playoff run while managing expectations for a young, assertive roster. Ahead of Game 1 against the Memphis Grizzlies, he emphasized the imperfect nature of basketball, urging his players to remain focused on executing their game plan despite inevitable mistakes.

With a nearly clean injury report, the Thunder will mainly miss Ousmane Dieng and Nikola Topic. Rookie Ajay Mitchell, who recently returned from injury, is expected to contribute, albeit in a limited role. Daigneault's confidence in Mitchell reflects the team's need for collective effort to navigate the playoffs successfully.

The Oklahoma City Thunder gear up for a highly anticipated Round 1 playoff showdown against the Memphis Grizzlies, following a decisive victory by Memphis over the Dallas Mavericks. Coach Mark Daigneault expressed confidence in the Thunder's successful track record against the Grizzlies this season, positioning them as favorites for the series. Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander maintained a cool demeanor despite external doubts surrounding the team's playoff readiness, and Aaron Wiggins expressed excitement about experiencing the electric atmosphere at home during the playoffs.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are set to face off against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs. The Thunder, after an outstanding regular season with a franchise-best 68-14 record, are heavily favored.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has proven to be a nightmare for the Grizzlies, averaging 36.3 points against them this season. With Memphis' top defender Jaylen Wells unavailable, slowing Gilgeous-Alexander will be even more challenging. Meanwhile, Memphis' star Ja Morant, who has struggled against the Thunder's defense in prior matchups, will need to elevate his game.

The Thunder’s strategy will likely involve significant contributions from their bench, especially from Jalen Williams, who has averaged nearly 20 points against Memphis. Coach Mark Daigneault’s experience could be pivotal against rookie head coach Tuomas Iisalo. The Thunder look poised to make a deep playoff run, with predictions leaning towards a clean sweep against the Grizzlies.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are gearing up for their first-round playoff matchup as they await their opponent, set to be either the Memphis Grizzlies or the Dallas Mavericks, who are battling for the eighth seed in the play-in tournament. Head coach Mark Daigneault highlighted the importance of preparation for the playoffs, emphasizing focus and execution. Chet Holmgren, returning after a three-month hiatus due to a hip fracture, expressed confidence in his current physical state, while rookie Cason Wallace praised teammates Lu Dort and Alex Caruso for their contributions. With just days until their playoff opener at Paycom Center, the Thunder are positioned as favorites to advance.