This is Oklahoma City’s time, right? The franchise has been moving toward this moment where all the trades, free-agent signings and draft picks converge into a title contender. The Thunder ran away with the Western Conference, winning a franchise-record 68 games. They were dominant offensively and defensively. They have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the favorite to win MVP. They have another All-Star in Jalen Williams. Mark Daigneault was Coach of the Year last season. Front-office executive Sam Presti built a team that can win now and for the next several seasons. But what matters most is the present. Can the Thunder reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012? It starts with this first-round series against the Memphis Grizzlies, who haven’t beaten the Thunder since early in the 2022-23 season. That’s nine consecutive Thunder victories including four this season.

Thunder vs. Grizzlies preview How Thunder will win: It starts defensively for the Thunder who are led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a two-way star. But it’s not a one-man show. The Thunder are talented and deep and can play a variety of styles. How Grizzlies will win: Rebounding, a renewed commitment to defending in addition to an All-NBA performance from Ja Morant and stellar shooting from the perimeter give the Grizzlies a chance. Thunder vs. Grizzlies key stats Thunder key stats: The Thunder were No. 1 defensively, No. 3 offensively and had the league’ best net rating and were just of two teams (Boston) to finish in the top five offensive and defensively this season. Grizzlies key stats: The Grizzlies were No. 3 in offensive rebounding and No. 3 in second-chance points and No. 2 in points per game this season. Thunder vs. Grizzlies players to watch Jalen Williams, Thunder: Yes, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander quite possibly is the NBA MVP this season but check out Williams and see why he was an All-Star for the first time this season and why he made some All-NBA ballots (21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.6 steals per game). Ja Morant, Grizzlies: Morant hasn’t played in the playoff since 2023, a quick five-game series loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. He wasn’t an All-Star this season or last season, and this is an opportunity for Morant, 25, to remind a larger audience of what he can still do on the court. Thunder vs. Grizzlies predictions Lorenzo Reyes: Thunder in five Heather Tucker: Thunder James Williams: Thunder in five Jeff Zillgitt: Thunder in five Thunder vs. Grizzlies schedule Game 1: Grizzlies at Thunder | Sunday, April 20, 1 p.m. | ABC Game 2: TBD at Thunder | Tuesday, April 22, 7:30 p.m. | TNT Game 3: Thunder at Grizzlies | Thursday, April 24, TBD | TNT Game 4:Thunder at Grizzlies | Saturday, April 26, 1 p.m. | TNT Game 5: Grizzlies at Thunder | Monday, April 28, TBD | TBD * Game 6: Thunder at Grizzlies | Thursday, May 1, TBD | TBD * Game 7: Grizzlies at Thunder | Saturday, May 3, TBD | TBD * Thunder vs. Grizzlies seasons series The Thunder won the season series 4-0. Dec. 29: Thunder 130, Grizzlies 106 Feb. 8: Thunder 125, Grizzlies 112 March 5: Thunder 120, Grizzlies 103 March 27: Thunder 125, Grizzlies 104