Grizzlies Face Thunder in NBA Playoffs Opening Sunday

The Memphis Grizzlies secured the final Western Conference playoff spot by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 120-106, with key performances from Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane despite injuries and illness. They now face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, who dominated Memphis during the regular season, sweeping all four games by double-digit margins. The Thunder, led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and supported by Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, have been one of the league's best teams and enter the series well-rested. Memphis remains undermanned, missing key defenders and with Morant still recovering from an ankle injury. The Grizzlies are significant underdogs but emphasize focusing on their own game and defensive intensity as they prepare for the first-round matchup. Game 1 tips off Sunday at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.