T-Wolves vs Thunder Prediction, Props, and Best Bets NBA Game 2
John Canady
Host · Writer
The Minnesota Timberwolves are set for a Thursday Game 2 showdown against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Minnesota fell flat in Tuesday’s matchup, getting steamrolled by OKC. Despite that, the Timberwolves didn’t seem too worried following the matchup as they head into tonight’s matchup looking to even the series. With two teams eyeing a spot in the NBA Finals to compete for the franchise’s first-ever NBA Championship, expect each squad to lay it all on the line in this pivotal matchup.
Timberwolves vs Thunder
- Location: Paycom Center – Oklahoma City, OK
- Where to Watch: ESPN
- Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
- Spread: Thunder -7.5 | Total: 216.5
- Moneyline: Thunder -320 | Timberwolves +260
Please be aware that betting odds may change after the publication of this article.
Timberwolves vs Thunder Best Bet: Timberwolves ML +260
Minnesota posted a similar outing in Game 1 of their second-round series against the Golden State Warriors. The T-Wolves bounced back from that performance, rattling off four straight wins to close out the series. Although they may not be able to pull together the four-game stretch, I do trust that Chris Finch will make the proper adjustments to put his team in the best position to steal Game 2, understanding that heading back home down 2-0 is the worst-case scenario for them against the top seed. Assuming Minnesota can get things going on offense to match the Thunder’s high-powered offense, I like the odds the T-Wolves can even the series at 1-1.
Timberwolves vs Thunder: Over 216.5
In Game 1, OKC had no trouble scoring the basketball, shooting 50% from the field and 52.4% from three. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves’ shooting struggles spread seemingly from top to bottom outside of Julius Randle, shooting 34.9% from field goal range and 29.4% from three. The T-Wolves’ shooting slump was the driving factor in the low scoring in Game 1. The good news is that Minnesota’s poor shooting was a bit of an outlier performance for them, especially after their success on offense throughout the last two series. If the Timberwolves can find the level in Thursday’s matchup, I expect a high-scoring matchup between these two squads. A final score of 118-111 seems like a realistic outcome.
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Timberwolves Best Player Bet: Julius Randle OVER 21.5 Points +152
Julius Randle was the lone bright spot for the Timberwolves in Game 1, finishing the matchup with 28 points and eight rebounds, shooting 69.2% from the floor and 83.3% from three. Although the big man’s 5/6 shooting from three isn’t exactly a regular shooting night for him, his success on the offensive end since the postseason began has become the norm. Randle is averaging 24.3 points through 11 playoff games, and following Tuesday’s game, the Kentucky product has now scored 24+ points in each of his last five games. I like the chances the streak continues on Thursday.
Thunder Best Player Bet: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander OVER 32.5 Points +100
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named MVP on Wednesday after a dominant regular season, averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and five rebounds. The Thunder star proved why he won the award, dominating in Game 1 against the T-Wolves, finishing with 31 points in the blowout win. SGA’s success against the Timberwolves this season makes it clear that Minnesota has yet to find a strategy to slow down the star guard. Assuming he remains aggressive in Thursday’s battle, Gilgeous-Alexander has a good chance to finish with 33+ points, especially if this matchup is closer down the stretch.
