Predictions for Timberwolves vs. Thunder in the 2025 NBA Western Conference Finals Game 1
Insights from SportsLine expert Matt Severance on the first game of the playoff series between the Timberwolves and Thunder.
After a challenging seven-game series, the leading Oklahoma City Thunder face the well-rested sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves in the first game of the 2025 NBA Western Conference Finals on Tuesday. Oklahoma City overcame Denver with a series win of 4-3, while Minnesota clinched their place by defeating Golden State four times out of five.
The Timberwolves (49-33), making it to the Western finals for the second consecutive year, aim to secure their first trip to the NBA Finals. The Thunder (68-14) advance to the conference finals for the first time in nearly a decade, last appearing in 2015-2016, when they fell to the Miami Heat in the finals.
Game Details
Tipoff from Paycom Center in Oklahoma City is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. The Thunder are favored by 7.5 points, and the total points set by DraftKings Sportsbook is 216.5. Before making your predictions on Thunder vs. Timberwolves, refer to the insights from Matt Severance from SportsLine, who boasts an impressive record of 161-89-1 in his NBA picks, yielding over 32 units of betting profit.
Current Odds
| Timberwolves vs. Thunder Spread | Oklahoma City -7.5 at DraftKings | | Timberwolves vs. Thunder Over/Under | 216.5 points | | Timberwolves vs. Thunder Money Line | Oklahoma City -299, Minnesota +241 | | Timberwolves vs. Thunder Picks | See picks at SportsLine | | Timberwolves vs. Thunder Streaming | FuboTV (Try for free) |
Why the Thunder Can Cover
Oklahoma City’s offense is powered by MVP contender Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Throughout 11 postseason appearances, he is averaging 29 points, 6.4 assists, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 steals a game over 36.6 minutes on the floor. In his recent Game 7 victory against the Nuggets, Gilgeous-Alexander showcased a stellar performance with 35 points and also contributed four assists, three rebounds, and three steals. Similarly, forward Jalen Williams offers strong offensive support, averaging 19.6 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.4 rebounds across 11 playoff games.
Why the Timberwolves Can Cover
The Timberwolves are led by guard Anthony Edwards, who is averaging 26.5 points, eight rebounds, and nearly six assists in the playoffs. Recently, he registered a double-double with 22 points and 12 assists during their Game 5 win over the Golden State Warriors. Power forward Julius Randle also stood out with solid performances in the last series.
Making Your Picks for Thunder vs. Timberwolves
Matt Severance has highlighted a critical X-factor that could determine the spread’s outcome, and he advises you to check his recommendations before finalizing your predictions.
