Oklahoma City Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies Picks and Prediction for Friday, January 9, 2026

By: Jake Allman Published 01/09/2026, 12:30 AM ET

Oklahoma City heads to FedExForum in Memphis for a 8:00 PM ET tip on FanDuel SN SE, with the Grizzlies listed at +2. The Thunder bring a 31-7 record and a 13-4 road mark, while Memphis sits at 16-21 and has gone 8-10 at home. Oklahoma City is 3-2 over the last five, and Memphis is 1-4 in the last five with an ugly 117-98 loss to Phoenix on Tuesday. Score big in the NBA with our insider NBA picks.

Thunder Outlook

Oklahoma City’s advantage in this matchup starts with shot-making and ball pressure. The Thunder are scoring 121.4 points per game while allowing 108.1, and the offense is built around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 31.9 points on 54.8% shooting with 6.4 assists per game. Chet Holmgren adds 18.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks, giving OKC a real rim presence at both ends.

The injury report is important, because Oklahoma City is missing bodies: Alex Caruso (back), Isaiah Hartenstein (calf), Jaylin Williams (heel), and Ousmane Dieng (calf) are out, with Hartenstein listed as the team’s top rebounder at 10.4 per game. Even with that, OKC’s defense has held its own with 10.4 steals and 5.6 blocks per game. If the Thunder keep forcing mistakes and avoid turnovers, the road favorite should win and cover.

Grizzlies Outlook

Memphis is trying to survive without Ja Morant (calf) and several reserves, including Vince Williams Jr. (knee) and Brandon Clarke (calf). Jaren Jackson Jr. leads the scoring at 18.5 points with 1.5 blocks, and Santi Aldama chips in 14.1 points and 6.8 rebounds. The Grizzlies also get playmaking from Cam Spencer at 5.0 assists per game, but shot creation gets tougher late in games without Morant on the floor.

Subscribe Now

I authorize Picks And Parlays to send me promotional emails

I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. I have read and accepted the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. I consent that Picks And Parlays may use third-party services to process my data.

Terms & Conditions

The bigger issue is that Memphis is giving up 116.6 points per game, and the offense is at 115.2 points per game with a 45% team field goal rate. Memphis has been in shootouts lately, including an overtime 139-136 loss to Philadelphia and a 128-121 loss to the Lakers. That type of scoring is dangerous against an Oklahoma City team that has already shown it can win high-scoring games, like the 129-125 overtime win over Utah on Tuesday.

Thunder vs Grizzlies Pick

Pick: Thunder -2. Oklahoma City’s scoring margin and tough defense point a win and cover, even on the road and even with injuries. Predicted final score: Thunder 126, Grizzlies 114.

Best Picks: Thunder -2, and a Thunder team total over if your book posts one, because OKC’s 121.4 points per game matches up well with Memphis allowing 116.6 per game.

How To Bet This Matchup

Before placing a wager on this matchup, it’s essential to approach the betting process strategically by leveraging available incentives. Starting with current sportsbook promos can help you identify platforms offering risk-free bets or deposit matches. Comparing the best betting sites ensures you’re getting fair odds and a secure betting environment. Bettors looking for mainstream sportsbook exposure often turn to BetMGM, where a Betmgm bonus code can provide extra wagering power on spreads, totals, or props. Those seeking lower vig and peer-to-peer style markets may prefer Novig, especially when using a Novig promo code. If you’re betting casually or experimenting with new strategies, free betting apps are an excellent way to stay involved without upfront risk. Social sportsbooks like Thrillzz gain added appeal when paired with a Thrillz promo code, while many bettors also supplement their action with Sweepstakes casino bonuses to enjoy legal, prize-based gaming alongside traditional sports bets.

Never Tried Picks and Parlays? Now Is Your Chance

Get your first daily picks package for ONLY $1 using coupon code BUCK
If the pick loses, we credit your account with 3 Flex Picks
If the pick wins, we still give you 1 Flex Pick on the house
Win or lose, you walk away ahead. One dollar. No catch.

Min. Deposit $5

Cashable No

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Requirement New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days. (Up to $1,000 Bet Reset Tokens)

Cashable No

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, IA, KY, WV) only. New users only or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Casino, First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Min $5 wager required for 5 consecutive days. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable Bet Reset tokens. Refund from token issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bet that expire 7 days after receipt. Max refund $200 per day. Restrictions apply, including token expiration. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).

Min. Deposit $5

Odds Requirements -500

Cashable No

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 7/19/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.