Short-handed Thunder test Memphis's fast start in Cup opener

The Memphis Grizzlies host the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup group-stage opener for both teams, and both arrive at 6-2. That is a big jump for Memphis, which finished 25-57 a season ago, while Oklahoma City went 64-18. This time it is the Thunder who arrive short-handed.

Memphis started 6-0, matching the best start in franchise history, and was briefly the league's last unbeaten team. Two straight losses followed: in overtime to New Orleans on 2 November, then 107-103 to Indiana on 4 November, when 20 turnovers gave the Pacers 24 points. Coach Tuomas Iisalo said his side is now drawing opponents' best shot because of how it started. Scotty Pippen Jr. (back) and Isaiah Stewart (knee) are listed out.

Oklahoma City is far thinner. Chet Holmgren is out with a right knee injury, Jalen Williams is recovering from ankle surgery and Cason Wallace from shoulder surgery. Jaylin Williams will miss a second straight game with back spasms. The Thunder still beat Cleveland 124-116 at home on 4 November.

History favours the visitors. Oklahoma City swept last season's series 3-0, finishing with a 117-116 comeback win in Memphis in January, and has won 12 straight regular-season meetings. The market has the Thunder at 58%.

Does that streak still mean much against a Thunder side missing this much of its rotation?