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Thunder vs Grizzlies brings together two 6-2 teams on Friday night, but both Oklahoma City and Memphis will enter the NBA Cup matchup dealing with important injuries. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT at FedExForum in Memphis and represents the first meeting between the teams during the 2026-27 regular season.
The contest is part of the NBA Cup West Group B stage, adding extra significance to an already competitive early-season matchup. Both teams have started strongly, yet their recent results point to different momentum entering Friday’s showdown.
Thunder vs Grizzlies Set for High-Stakes NBA Cup Battle
Oklahoma City arrives in Memphis after a confidence-building 124-116 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. The Thunder were forced to rely heavily on their remaining healthy players, but their short-handed lineup delivered one of its most impressive performances of the season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 42 points and eight assists, continuing his outstanding start to the campaign. His scoring, playmaking and late-game control have been central to Oklahoma City’s success as the team works through a growing injury list.
Ajay Mitchell also made a major contribution against Cleveland, finishing with 23 points and seven rebounds. His performance highlighted the Thunder’s developing depth and offered another example of the team’s “next man up” approach.
Critical Injury Updates for Oklahoma City and Memphis
The Thunder will be without several notable players for the road game. Jalen Williams remains out following ankle surgery, while Cason Wallace is unavailable after shoulder surgery. Chet Holmgren also continues his recovery from a knee injury and will not suit up.
Oklahoma City’s frontcourt depth will be tested further because Jaylin Williams is sidelined by back spasms. Nikola Topic remains out following back surgery, and Thomas Sorber is unavailable while recovering from knee surgery.
- Jalen Williams: out, ankle surgery
- Cason Wallace: out, shoulder surgery
- Chet Holmgren: out, knee injury recovery
- Jaylin Williams: out, back spasms
- Nikola Topic: out, back surgery
- Thomas Sorber: out, knee surgery
Memphis has its own concerns. Scotty Pippen Jr. is out because of a lumbar disc herniation, while Isaiah Stewart is sidelined with a knee bone bruise. Stewart’s status is especially important for the Grizzlies, who will need physical play and reliable rebounding against an Oklahoma City team already missing key frontcourt options.
Memphis Looks to Rebound After Pacers Loss
The Grizzlies also enter Friday at 6-2, although their momentum was interrupted by a narrow 107-103 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. Ty Jerome and Cedric Coward each scored 23 points in the defeat, but Memphis could not generate enough offense during the decisive stretches.
Playing at home gives the Grizzlies an opportunity to respond quickly. FedExForum should provide a difficult environment for the visiting Thunder, particularly with both teams competing for position in the NBA Cup group stage. Memphis will likely look to pressure Oklahoma City’s replacement players and force the Thunder’s stars to carry a heavy offensive load.
For Oklahoma City, the biggest question is whether Gilgeous-Alexander can maintain his remarkable production against a Memphis defense that will be determined to prevent another explosive scoring performance. The Grizzlies must also limit Mitchell and the Thunder’s supporting cast, which has become increasingly important during the injury crisis.
How to Watch Thunder vs Grizzlies
Friday’s game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. CT. The matchup will be available on Thunder+ and KSBI, with streaming access available through the NBA’s official viewing service.
- Matchup: Oklahoma City Thunder at Memphis Grizzlies
- Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
- Start time: 7 p.m. CT
- Venue: FedExForum, Memphis
- Competition: 2026 NBA Cup, West Group B
The Thunder’s next scheduled games are a home matchup with the Washington Wizards on Saturday, November 7, followed by consecutive road games against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 10 and 11.
As reported by Thunder Wire and the USA TODAY Network, the injury situation will be one of the defining storylines of the night. Oklahoma City has already shown it can win while shorthanded, but Memphis will provide another demanding test. With identical records and NBA Cup implications at stake, the Thunder vs Grizzlies matchup could reveal which team is better equipped to withstand adversity early in the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Thunder vs Grizzlies?
The Thunder vs Grizzlies game is scheduled for Friday, November 6, 2026, at 7 p.m. CT.
Where will Thunder vs Grizzlies be played?
The game will be played at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee, with the Grizzlies serving as the home team.
Which players are out for Oklahoma City?
Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, Chet Holmgren, Jaylin Williams, Nikola Topic and Thomas Sorber are listed as out for the Thunder.
Which Memphis players are unavailable?
Scotty Pippen Jr. and Isaiah Stewart are listed as out for Memphis because of injury concerns.
