The Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder face off in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals on Tuesday, May 20, at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The Thunder, the No. 1 seed, will host the No. 6 seed Timberwolves, marking their first trip to the conference finals since 2016. Meanwhile, Minnesota returns to this stage for the first time in franchise history without Karl-Anthony Towns.
Game Details
- Matchup: Minnesota Timberwolves (49-33) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (68-14)
- Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
- Time: 8:30 PM ET
- Venue: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
- TV Broadcast: ESPN
How They Got Here
Oklahoma City Thunder (No. 1 Seed)
The Thunder swept the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round before battling through a grueling seven-game series against the defending champion Denver Nuggets. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way, averaging 35 points per game in the series, including a dominant Game 7 performance where he scored 35 points with zero turnovers.
Minnesota Timberwolves (No. 6 Seed)
Minnesota gentleman-swept the Lakers in five games before handling the Golden State Warriors in five games. Anthony Edwards has been the driving force, averaging 22.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and six assists against the Thunder in the regular season. Julius Randle has also stepped up, averaging 24-6-6 in the playoffs.
Key Matchups
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Anthony Edwards
- Gilgeous-Alexander has been unstoppable, averaging 35 points on 51.1% shooting in the playoffs.
- Edwards has improved his outside shooting, but he will face a tough defensive assignment from Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, and Cason Wallace.
Julius Randle vs. Chet Holmgren & Isaiah Hartenstein
- Randle has been Minnesota’s second-best scorer, averaging 23.9 points on 50.9% shooting.
- Holmgren and Hartenstein will need to contain Randle’s physical play and prevent him from dominating inside.
Thunder’s Depth vs. Timberwolves’ Bench
- Oklahoma City boasts one of the deepest rosters, featuring Jalen Williams, Lu Dort, and Aaron Wiggins.
- Minnesota counters with Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, forming an eight-starter rotation.
Game Odds
Minnesota Timberwolves 215.5
Oklahoma City Thunder – 7.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, May 19, 2025
