NBA · 6 months ago

Timberwolves vs. Thunder Series Preview: WCF Odds, Picks and Best Bets

John Canady

Host · Writer

9) Best Bet
Best Bet: Anthony Edwards Most Total Series Points +170

Although I see the Thunder coming out of this series, I don't think it will be due to Anthony Edwards's lack of effort.

In fact, I like the odds that the Georgia product puts together a dominant series and leaves it all on the line to give his team a chance to advance to the NBA Finals. If Minnesota loses, I feel it will be due to struggles from the supporting cast, rather than shortcomings from Edwards.

That said, give me Ant-Man to finish this series with the most points scored.
1) Timberwolves vs. Thunder Series Preview: WCF Odds, Picks and Best Bets
Timberwolves vs Thunder Prediction, Props, and Best Bets NBA Game 1

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder are the final two teams standing in the Western Conference with a chance to punch their ticket to the NBA Finals. Minnesota fought their way back to the WCF just one year later with a revamped roster, proving they have their eyes on redemption, looking to finally get over the hump. Meanwhile, the Thunder showed that their historic regular season wasn't a fluke, as they're four games away from being on the main stage to compete for the franchise's first championship.

Looking ahead, let's dive into this Western Conference Finals series, previewing key matchups, X-factors, betting odds, and everything in between before making predictions.
2) Western Conference Finals Schedule
Timberwolves vs Thunder WCF Game 1: Best NBA Player Prop Bets Today

Game 1: Tuesday, May 20 | 8:30 PM ET | ESPN (Oklahoma City, OK)

Game 2: Thursday, May 22 | 8:30 PM ET | ESPN (Oklahoma City, OK)

Game 3: Saturday, May 24 | 8:30 PM ET | ABC (Minneapolis, MN)

Game 4: Monday, May 26 | 8:30 PM ET | ESPN (Minneapolis, MN)

Game 5: Wednesday, May 28 | 8:30 PM ET | ESPN (Oklahoma City, OK) *If Necessary*

Game 6: Friday, May 30 | 8:30 PM ET | ESPN (Minneapolis, MN) *If Necessary*

Game 7: Sunday, June 1 | 8:30 PM ET | ESPN (Oklahoma City, OK) *If Necessary*
3) Western Conference Finals Betting Odds
Timberwolves vs Thunder Series Betting Preview: WCF Odds & Best Bets

Western Conference Finals Odds:

Win Series: Thunder -375 | Timberwolves +300 Total Games: 4 +440 | 5 +235 | 6 +225 | 7 +250

O/U Total Games: O5.5 (-140) | U5.5 (+114)

Western Conference Game 1:

Thunder -7.5 | O/U 215
Thunder -295 | Timberwolves +240
4) Starting Lineup Edge
Both the Thunder and Timberwolves have built two of the best starting lineups in the league heading into this series. For OKC, their starting five has looked the part all season long, and they continue to impress throughout this deep playoff run. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves' starting group struggled throughout the start of the season, but down the stretch, they've seemingly put it all together.

Considering how consistent the Thunder's starters have been this season, it's hard to bet against reliability, especially in favor of a starting group that has only recently put it together. Obviously, health is a factor with the T-Wolves' lineup struggles, but even then, OKC's reliability and continuity in their starting lineup give them the edge.

Thunder Starting Five:

G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
G Lu Dort
F Jalen Williams
F Chet Holmgren
C Isaiah Hartenstein

Timberwolves Starting Five:

G Mike Conley
G Anthony Edwards
F Jaden McDaniels
F Julius Randle
C Rudy Gobert
5) Bench Edge
Each of these squads has assembled a roster that gives them the luxury of having depth.

Oklahoma City has one of the best two-way guards in the league, Alex Caruso, fortifying their reserve unit. In addition to Caruso, the Thunder have multiple spark-plug scorers in Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe. Not to mention second-year player Cason Wallace and big man Jaylin Williams.

Minnesota also has multiple solid reserves, including Naz Reid, Donte DiVicenzo, and Nickeil Alexander -Walker.

However, the reliable boost that the Thunder's bench has given them throughout the regular season and the postseason as a whole gives them the second unit edge.
6) Key Matchup
The obvious key matchup in this series will be the backcourt battle between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards.

Both guards are the driving force for their team in not only scoring, but also playmaking on the offensive side of the court.

Whether it's who wins the matchup or who puts together the better series overall will likely be the deciding factor of which team advances to the NBA Finals.
7) X-Factor
To me, the X-Factor in this series is undoubtedly Jalen Williams.

Williams has been a major reason for the Thunder's success this season, averaging a career-high 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. The two-way star is not only a boost on offense alongside SGA, but his ability to defend the opposing team's top players is one of the main reasons he was named to his first All-Star team this season.

In round one, Williams impressed and looked poised for a monster playoff run. However, in round two, the Santa Clara product struggled immensely on offense, shooting 37.5% from field goal range and 23.7% from three. In Game 7, when it mattered most, the talented forward seemed to overcome his shooting slump and put together an efficient 24-point game.

If Williams breaks out of his offensive slump, he could be a game-changer for OKC in this series.
8) Prediction
This series feels like the type of heavyweight battles that will come down to the wire. In fact, it may take all seven games to decide the winner of this series.

However, assuming both squads remain healthy, I'd have to lean to the Thunder representing the West in the NBA Finals.

Prediction: Thunder 4-3
9) Best Bet
Best Bet: Anthony Edwards Most Total Series Points +170

Although I see the Thunder coming out of this series, I don't think it will be due to Anthony Edwards's lack of effort.

In fact, I like the odds that the Georgia product puts together a dominant series and leaves it all on the line to give his team a chance to advance to the NBA Finals. If Minnesota loses, I feel it will be due to struggles from the supporting cast, rather than shortcomings from Edwards.

That said, give me Ant-Man to finish this series with the most points scored.
1) Timberwolves vs. Thunder Series Preview: WCF Odds, Picks and Best Bets
Timberwolves vs Thunder Prediction, Props, and Best Bets NBA Game 1

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder are the final two teams standing in the Western Conference with a chance to punch their ticket to the NBA Finals. Minnesota fought their way back to the WCF just one year later with a revamped roster, proving they have their eyes on redemption, looking to finally get over the hump. Meanwhile, the Thunder showed that their historic regular season wasn't a fluke, as they're four games away from being on the main stage to compete for the franchise's first championship.

Looking ahead, let's dive into this Western Conference Finals series, previewing key matchups, X-factors, betting odds, and everything in between before making predictions.

Timberwolves vs. Thunder Series Preview: WCF Odds, Picks and Best Bets

Sports Betting

Sportsbook Promos

Social Casinos