MEMPHIS, Tenn. –<\/p>\n
Oklahoma City<\/a> enters the matchup against Memphis fresh off a 132\u2013101 rout of the Kings on Friday night<\/p>\n Isaiah Hartenstein<\/a> delivered a career night, finishing with 33 points and 19 rebounds on 14-of-17 shooting, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<\/a> added 30 points and Ajay Mitchell posted an 18-point, 10-assist double-double.<\/p>\n The Thunder<\/a> shot 53% from the field, poured in 70 points by halftime, and had six players finish in double figures. They dominated the paint 60\u201334 and were in full control by the third quarter. The victory also marked OKC\u2019s first win in NBA<\/a> Cup group play and improved the team\u2019s record to 9\u20131, including a 29-game win streak in night games against teams with losing records.<\/p>\n Head coach Mark Daigneault<\/a> praised his team\u2019s chemistry and Hartenstein\u2019s development.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s played great as time has gone on here,\u201d Daigneault said. \u201cHe\u2019s only gotten better, especially on the offensive end.\u201d Gilgeous-Alexander echoed the sentiment, noting Hartenstein\u2019s selfless approach.<\/p>\n \u201cHe does a really good job of doing the little things to help get other people open,\u201d SGA<\/a> said. \u201cThe ball just rewarded him.\u201d<\/p>\n \n Grizzlies Trying to Build Momentum<\/p>\n The Grizzlies, meanwhile, snapped a four-game skid on Friday with a 118\u2013104 home win over the Dallas Mavericks<\/a> their most complete performance in weeks.<\/p>\n Ja Morant<\/a> set the tone with 21 points and 13 assists, recording a double-double by halftime, while Jaren Jackson<\/a> Jr. added 17 points and played with renewed confidence after a tough stretch. The win came just days after Morant\u2019s brief team-issued suspension and marked a much-needed boost for first-year head coach Tuomas Iisalo.<\/p>\n \u201cWe just got to keep growing and learning from here,\u201d Morant said after the game.Memphis built a 35-point lead in the second half before coasting to the finish. <\/p>\n Still, the Grizzlies<\/a> have struggled at home, losing 13 straight at FedExForum against teams with winning records and will face a massive test against the NBA\u2019s hottest team.<\/p>\n \n Injury Report<\/p>\n Thunder:<\/p>\n Luguentz Dort \u2013 Questionable (Right Upper Trap Strain)Aaron Wiggins<\/a> \u2013 Out (Left Adductor Strain)Nikola Topic \u2013 Out (Surgical Recovery)Thomas Sorber \u2013 Out (Right ACL Recovery)Jalen Williams<\/a> \u2013 Out (Right Wrist Surgery)Kenrich Williams \u2013 Out (Left Knee Surgery)<\/p>\n Grizzlies:<\/p>\n Santi Aldama \u2013 Questionable (Left Shoulder Soreness)Brandon Clarke \u2013 Out (Right Knee Surgery Recovery)Zach Edey \u2013 Out (Left Ankle Surgery Recovery)PJ Hall \u2013 Available (G League \u2013 Two-Way)<\/p>\n \n What to Watch<\/p>\n Paint Presence: Hartenstein and Holmgren give OKC<\/a> a size and length advantage. The Thunder outscored Sacramento<\/a> 60\u201334 inside and will aim for a similar edge against Memphis.Morant\u2019s Rhythm: After finding his form against Dallas<\/a>, Morant\u2019s ability to attack the rim and facilitate will determine if Memphis can hang with OKC\u2019s pace.SGA\u2019s Consistency: Gilgeous-Alexander continues to perform like an MVP candidate, averaging 30+ points per game while controlling tempo on both ends.<\/p>\n \n Where to Watch<\/p>\n