Timberwolves vs Thunder Prediction, Props, and Best Bets NBA Game 1
John Canady
Host · Writer
The Minnesota Timberwolves are set for a showdown against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals tonight. Minnesota has silenced all the critics, proving that last season’s deep postseason run was no fluke. Returning to the WCF with a revamped roster, the Timberwolves look set on getting over the hump. However, they’ll have their hands full against a Thunder team who have been knocking on the door of contention for the last few years. Both teams can compete for their franchise’s first championship and etch their names in the history books. Considering what’s at stake, expect each squad to leave it all on the floor.
Timberwolves vs Thunder
- Location: Paycom Center – Oklahoma City, OK
- Where to Watch: ESPN
- Time: 8:30 PM ET
- Spread: Thunder -7.5 | Total: 216.5
- Moneyline: Thunder -300 | Timberwolves +245
Please be aware that betting odds may change after the publication of this article. Get the most up-to-date odds here.
Timberwolves vs Thunder Best Bet: Timberwolves +7.5
OKC enters this matchup as the betting favorite. Although the Thunder have the advantage of home court on their side, the Timberwolves have the advantage of rest on theirs. Minnesota has ended each of the past two series in five games, and they’re arguably the most rested team in the postseason. Not to mention, this Thunder squad has yet to face off with the T-Wolves since Julius Randle has returned to All-Star caliber play. While Minnesota may not steal Game 1, I have confidence this matchup will go down to the wire with the Timberwolves setting the tone for this series.
Timberwolves vs Thunder Best Total Bet: Over 216.5
Each of these squads has the firepower to turn this series into a shootout. Throughout the regular season, all four matchups exceeded 217+ total points scored. With how both sides have played throughout the postseason, all signs point to another high-scoring battle. Assuming the trend continues, a final score of 116-109 seems realistic.
Timberwolves Best Player Bet: Julius Randle to Record 6+ Assists +130
Julius Randle has been one of the biggest reasons the Timberwolves are making a return to the WCF. The big man has found his groove over the past couple of weeks, and his resurgence has been pivotal for Minnesota. Throughout the postseason, Randle is averaging 23.9 points, 5.9 assists, and 5.9 rebounds. Coming off a series where he put up 7.4 assists per game, it’s clear that Chris Finch’s squad has found something positive in running the offense through their versatile forward. In the one regular-season game Randle played against OKC, he recorded six dimes.
Thunder Best Player Bet: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander OVER 32.5 Points +104
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put together an MVP-level season this year, averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and five rebounds. The Kentucky product proved to be a tough player for every team in the league to defend, but if any team understands the difficulty of slowing down SGA, it’s Minnesota. In four regular-season meetings against the Timberwolves, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 35 points per game. In playoff basketball, the Thunder star will play extended minutes on the floor, increasing the odds that he can put together another monster game on offense.
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