Western Conference Finals OKC Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Game 1 Preview- Will Timberwolves Surprise NBA Top-Seed in WCF Opener?

The Oklahoma City Thunder are set to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Conference Finals series, beginning on Tuesday, May 20. Oklahoma City, who have had a memorable 2024-25 season, have home-court advantage in the series and they aim to make the most of it. 

While the best-of-seven series is scheduled to end on Sunday, June 1, the prime target of both teams would be to wrap it up by Monday, May 26. Thunder are expected to stay in command over their rivals; however, would it be fair to underestimate the Minnesota Timberwolves? 

OKC Thunder Preview

The OKC Thunder have had a historic season, where they finished with the best record of 68 wins and 14 losses. The record got them the top seed in the conference and set the tone for their post-season. In the opening round of the playoffs, they hardly faced any challenge and swept the Grizzlies to earn a semifinal berth. Later, they clashed against the Denver Nuggets, who gave them a tough competition. 

However, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 35 points, 3 rebounds, and four assists, Oklahoma City registered a blowout win over the counterparts in Game 7 and made it to their first conference finals since 2016. The MVP front-runner would be expected to come on top in the upcoming series and guide the side to the NBA Finals. 

Minnesota Timberwolves Preview 

The Minnesota Timberwolves have performed unexpectedly well in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. After finishing the regular season with a 49-33 record, honestly, it wasn’t expected that they would be able to come so far. The sixth seeds took down heavyweights, LA Lakers and Golden State Warriors, despite not having a team which was as strong as their rivals. However, Anthony Edwards and Co. delivered exceptional performances and are now standing so close to their first NBA Championship title.

While they are expected to enter the gameplay high on confidence, they must not forget how lethal their conference finals rivals are. Getting past the Thunder would undoubtedly be their biggest challenge so far and they would want to put their best on their best show. 

OKC Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Reports 

OKC Thunder

The Thunder have a clear injury report for the upcoming game except they have listed Nikola Topic. Topic has been out of action for a year due to a knee injury and later its surgery. He will continue to be out as Oklahoma City hosts Minnesota. 

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves have a clean and clear injury report for the forthcoming game. 

When and Where to Watch OKC Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Tonight? 

Fans would be able to watch the series opening clash between the OKC Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves from 8:30 pm ET on ESPN. Live Stream for the game will be available on SlingTV, DirecTV, and NBA League Pass.