Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves Predictions, Odds, Bets & Player Props WCF Game 1- 05/20/2025

On Tuesday, 05/20, the Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. The Thunder comes into this series after a grueling 4-3 win against the Denver Nuggets, whereas the Timberwolves had an easier 4-1 path against the Golden State Warriors. Who will grab the series opener? Find the spread, total, and player props predictions here.

Where to Watch Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves

• Time: 8:30 PM (ET) 
• Venue: Paycom Center (Oklahoma City)
• Where to watch: This game can be viewed on the NBA League Pass. It will also be available on TNT.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves Game 1 Lineups, Sneak Peek

Another exciting series is loading

The Thunder had a stamping 32-point win in Game 7 against the Denver Nuggets, but the lopsided result overshadowed a hard-fought series. OKC was given all they could handle, and they deserve credit for pulling through.

One huge plus point for them was containing Nikola Jokic. The center scored 47.9% from the field, but he was limited to just 5.9 assists per game, which was way below his natural output. Smaller guards like Alex Caruso disrupted his rhythm while Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander denied passing lanes.

Timberwolves ace Anthony Edwards must have noted this aspect and will use his speed to generate open lanes for his teammates. The Thunder’s offense was solely reliant on SGA at times, but Holmgren had his moments, too, whereas their bench was huge in their series victory.

As for the Wolves, they have received the best production from Julius Randle. He made light work of elite defender Draymond Green in the last series and scored 25.2 PPG on an excellent 53.3% shooting.

He is a huge reason behind the Timberwolves’ 8-2 postseason run thus far. Randle can overpower Holmgren in the post to continue his hot shooting.

On the other hand, Edwards will be a handful too, both as a scorer and playmaker. Apart from that, both benches look equally matched, with Minnesota having a ‘slight’ advantage. The bench minutes can have a huge role in the series, so keep a close watch on that.

Timberwolves Expected Starting Lineup

PG: Mike Conley | SG: Anthony Edwards |  SF: Jaden McDaniels | PF: Julius Randle | C: Rudy Gobert

Key bench players: SG: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SG: Donte DiVincenzo, C: Naz Reid.

Injuries/Updates: Nothing to report as such.

Thunder Expected Starting Lineup

PG: Shai-Gilgeous Alexander | SG: Luguentz Dort | SF: Jalen Williams | SF: Chet Holmgren | C: Isaiah Hartenstein

Key bench players: SG: Cason Wallace, SG: Alex Caruso,  SG: Aaron Wiggins.

Injuries/Updates: Nothing significant to report

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves Total Over/Under Prediction- NBA Best Bets

These are two of the best defensive teams in the league, clashing at the biggest stage. The Thunder likes to engage in shootouts more than the Wolves, and thus had four games in the last series that hit the “over” total, with three games crossing the 220 mark.

At the same time, they restricted the Nuggets to 106 or below in four games. On the other hand, the Wolves conceded 110 in each of the last two games of their previous series.

However, they have also kept teams below 100 in seven of their ten games. Overall, I see a grueling defensive battle to start the series. The bookmakers are leaning towards a total of mid-210s, but I believe the total will go below 210 here.

• Total: Under 213.5 for +102 at FanDuel
• Thunder: Points Under 110.5 for +102 at FanDuel

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Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves Player Props Predictions- NBA Betting Picks

Julius Randle to score over 20.5 points: The bookmakers have a big faith in Thunder defense to restrict Randle 5 PPG below his previous series average. They have a point because OKC boasts the best defense. However, I see Randle putting up 22-25 points.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to be restricted below 30.5 points: SGA averaged 29.7 PPG in the series against the Nuggets on an efficient 52.9% clip. I doubt the Timberwolves’ defense will give him such luxury. I see them restricting him below his usual output.

Naz Reid to make O 1.5 triples: Reid hit “Under” on three-pointers in two straight games during the last series. But before that, he had made 3 in each of the three games. I see him rediscovering his touch from the deep.

Main pick: Points: Julius Randle O 20.5 for +105 at BetMGM

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves Game 1 Prediction- NBA Betting Lines

So, the Thunder will have just a one-day rest after a grinding series against the Nuggets. Meanwhile, the Wolves have enjoyed almost a week off. It can mean two things. The Thunder can look in a better game shape, while the Timberwolves can show rust, as we have often seen in such situations during the postseason

But I see an opposite effect. I see a fresh Wolves team hungry to take Game 1 against a squad that showed quite a few vulnerabilities in their previous series. Timberwolves indeed played against a weaker opponent in the previous series, but they also have more players in better form than the Thunder.

Thus, I see the Wolves winning here. But I will still hesitate to go all-in for the MoneyLine here.

Bettling Lines:

• Total: 215.5. O:-110. U: -110 (BetMGM)
• Spread: Thunder -7.5: -110. +7.5: Timberwolves: -110 (FanDuel)
• Player Props: Anthony Edwards: 27.5 Points. O: -115. U: -115 (BetMGM)

Safe Spread/Money Line Pick:  Spread: Minnesota Timberwolves +5.5 for +125 at BetMGM 

Photo Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Shubham Singh

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Hi, I am Shubham. I am currently an NBA Predictions Writer on The Playoffs. I enjoy this job because it helps keep me in the loop about the game I love while fulfilling the pleasure I derive from stats. I got into NBA writing through social media interactions in the mid-2010s as I shared my takes on young talents such as D’Angelo Russell. I hope you enjoy reading my pieces as much as Dennis Rodman loved rebounding the basketball!

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