The Memphis Grizzlies and the Oklahoma City Thunder will both be trying to pick up a win on 1/11/2017 at 8:05 PM when they battle in a NBA Matchup.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Oklahoma City Thunder
When: 8:00 PM ET, Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Where: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| ROT | TEAM | PS | OU | Money Line |
| 705 | MEMPHIS | -4.5 (-110) | 205 (-110) | 180 -220 |
| 706 | OKLAHOMA CITY |
TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
PREDICTION: Thunder 103, Grizzlies 99
OKLAHOMA CITY — It seems like every team in the NBA that is a legitimate title contender has some sort of “Big Three” in their lineup. From Golden State to Cleveland, offenses revolve around the scoring of their trios or foursomes in some instances.
Yet, for most of this season, Oklahoma City has pretty much been a “Big One.” In many cases, Russell Westbrook has been the first, second and last option for the Thunder.
But lately, Oklahoma City has been building the foundation for their own really “Big Three.” Along with Westbrook, centers Steven Adams and Enes Kanter are becoming more consistent offensive weapons as the Thunder enter Wednesday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Against Chicago on Monday, the two centers combined for 42 points and 16 rebounds. They shot 20 of 25 from the field as the Thunder earned an easy 109-94 victory. In Oklahoma City’s win over Denver, Kanter and Adams tallied 30 points and 12 boards.
Kanter and Adams’ emergence has given Oklahoma City more options to run its offense through instead of always having Westbrook initiate the plays.
“It makes it easier for everybody,” Thunder guard Andre Roberson said. “That’s what we try to do all along or with Russ. Try to put two on the ball and find the open man. That’s how the game is played. They do a good job of passing out of the double team and taking advantage of it.”
Westbrook will still overwhelmingly dominate the action offensively for the Thunder. But now, he at least is gaining trust that he doesn’t have to do it by himself.
“My hand is always on the game,” Westbrook said. “I just pick my spots and see what’s open and what’s not.”
When the Thunder (23-16) face the Grizzlies (24-16) at the Chesapeake Energy Arena, they will be taking on a squad that may be one of the few teams in the league built to battle them. With Mike Conley at point guard and Marc Gasol at center and Zach Randolph coming off the bench, they have a similar “Big Three” makeup.
But that wasn’t the case earlier in the year. With Randolph coming off the bench for the first time, he has had to get adjusted to his new role.
But recent success against Golden State and Utah may mean more playing time together for Randolph and Gasol.
“I think teams are happy with the way we’re playing, taking pressure off of them honestly,” Randolph told ESPN. “Some guys told me on that other teams: ‘Shoot, we’re happy y’all guys aren’t playing together anymore. It gives us a break.’ It’s already been proven. We’ve done proved enough and showed it. I think that’s not the question. It’s just coach wanting to play different and do a different style.”
When the Grizzlies beat the Thunder Dec. 29 in their only other matchup so far this season, there were some pretty upset players in the Oklahoma City locker room when it was over. It revolved around reserve guard Troy Daniels heaving up a couple of late 3-pointers in the final seconds the 114-80 contest. It’s something Roberson has not forgotten.
“At the end of that game I felt we got disrespected in a way,” Roberson said. “They were launching 3s at the end. I didn’t take that too kindly. It leaves a taste in your mouth after the game to be honest with you. We remember that.”
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