Read a preview and watch a live stream of the Thunder vs the Grizzlies.
Where: Game 6 – FedExForum, Memphis.
When: Friday May 2, 01:00 BST
Watch live: Click here to watch on BT Sport online!
The Oklahoma City Thunder face a must-win Game 6 against the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday night, as if they lose they will be eliminated from the playoffs.
Mike Miller has been rallying his team-mates this week after the Grizzlies took a 3-2 series lead, insisting that nothing is over yet and that they must remain focused and finish the job off.
Following on from their 100-99 overtime win on Tuesday, a record fourth successive overtime game, the Grizzlies will need to guard against letting commanding leads slip and guard Tony Allen wants his team to close out in regulation after what has been a gruelling match-up thus far.
Nevertheless, Memphis will feel good about heading home to potentially pull off the upset of the first round, but much will depend on how Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook effect proceedings, as there is undoubtedly set to be a reaction.
While the Grizzlies have held Oklahoma City to below 40 percent shooting for four straight games, their longest such streak in franchise history, Durant is averaging 28 points per game but his efficiency needs to improve.
The same can be said of point guard Westbrook, and coach Scott Brooks will likely lean heavily on them to produce in crunch time.
Meanwhile, Miller has come good at the other end, particularly in Game 5 after scoring 21 points which included two 3s in overtime, but he conceded that it “wouldn’t be the Grizzlies’ style” to make it easier for the fans with a straight-forward win.
As ever Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol will be key for the hosts in slowing down the tempo and dominating inside, and it remains to be seen whether or not the Thunder can strike one more time to take this series back to Oklahoma City for a decider.
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