The Oklahoma City Thunder (25-2) hit the road to face the Minnesota Timberwolves (17-10) in a Northwest Division clash that showcases the league’s top team against a playoff contender fighting for consistency. The Thunder, boasting the NBA’s best record and an eight-game road winning streak, aim to rebound from their rare loss while exploiting Minnesota’s injury concerns. The Timberwolves, winners of seven of their last 10 at home, hope to replicate their competitive effort from their November meeting but may struggle without key backcourt pieces. Oklahoma City enters as heavy favorites, with their elite defense (allowing just 106.3 PPG) potentially stifling Minnesota’s offense.
Venue Location
The game will be held at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET.
It will be broadcast on NBA TV, Bally Sports Oklahoma, and FanDuel Sports Network North.
Team Records
Oklahoma City Thunder: 25-2 (1st in Western Conference)
Minnesota Timberwolves: 17-10 (6th in Western Conference)
Oklahoma City has a dominant 12-1 road record, while Minnesota is 9-5 at home.
Recent Team Forms
The Thunder have been nearly unbeatable, going 9-1 in their last 10 with an average margin of +18.2 points in wins, led by efficient offense (49.7% FG) and stifling defense. Minnesota is 7-3 in its last 10, showing offensive firepower (119.4 PPG) but defensive vulnerabilities in losses (allowing 114.6 PPG overall).
Oklahoma City Thunder Recent Form (Last 10 Games):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Dec 18 | LAC | W | 122-101 |
| Dec 13 | SAS | L | 111-109 |
| Dec 10 | PHX | W | 138-89 |
| Dec 7 | UTA | W | 131-101 |
| Dec 5 | DAL | W | 132-111 |
| Dec 2 | GSW | W | 124-112 |
| Nov 30 | POR | W | 123-115 |
| Nov 28 | PHX | W | 123-119 |
| Nov 26 | MIN | W | 113-105 |
| Nov 23 | POR | W | 122-95 |
Minnesota Timberwolves Recent Form (Last 10 Games):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Dec 17 | MEM | L | 116-110 |
| Dec 14 | SAC | W | 117-103 |
| Dec 12 | GSW | W | 127-120 |
| Dec 8 | PHX | L | 108-105 |
| Dec 6 | LAC | W | 109-106 |
| Dec 4 | NOP | W | 125-116 |
| Dec 2 | NOP | W | 149-142 OT |
| Nov 30 | SAS | W | 125-112 |
| Nov 29 | BOS | W | 119-115 |
| Nov 26 | OKC | L | 113-105 |
Injury Report
Oklahoma City Thunder:
Jaylin Williams (F): OUT (heel; expected return Dec. 19, but status pending).
Isaiah Hartenstein (C): OUT (rest; expected return Dec. 19, but status pending).
Nikola Topic (G): OUT (groin; expected return Feb. 20).
Thomas Sorber (C): OUT for season (knee).
The Thunder’s frontcourt depth could be tested if Hartenstein and Williams sit.
Minnesota Timberwolves:
Anthony Edwards (G): GTD (foot; day-to-day, key for offense).
Mike Conley (G): OUT (Achilles; expected return Dec. 21).
Without Conley and potentially Edwards, Minnesota’s ball-handling and scoring take a hit.
Player Matchups
This matchup features star-driven battles, with Oklahoma City’s big three facing Minnesota’s frontcourt tandem, potentially altered by injuries:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) vs. Timberwolves Defense: SGA (32.4 PPG, 6.4 APG, 55.9% FG) tests Minnesota’s perimeter, especially if Edwards (28.7 PPG) is limited or out. Expect SGA to exploit switches over Randle.
Chet Holmgren (OKC) vs. Rudy Gobert (MIN): Holmgren’s spacing and shot-blocking meet Gobert’s rim protection. Holmgren could pull Gobert out, opening lanes for OKC drives.
Jalen Williams (OKC) vs. Julius Randle (MIN): Williams’ versatility (defending Randle) vs. Randle’s scoring (5.7 APG). This forward matchup could dictate rebounding and second-chance points.
Bench Impact: If Hartenstein plays for OKC, he bolsters defense against Gobert/Randle. Minnesota’s depth suffers without Conley, relying on Donte DiVincenzo and Jaden McDaniels for energy.
Oklahoma City’s turnover-forcing defense (+20 in last game) could overwhelm Minnesota’s handlers if Edwards sits.
Series History
The Thunder lead the all-time regular-season series 93-48 in 141 games. In playoffs, they’ve met in the 2025 Western Conference Finals, where OKC won 4-2. Recently, Oklahoma City is 5-1 SU in the last six meetings, including a 113-105 home win on Nov. 26, 2025. Minnesota’s lone win in the last five came on Feb. 13, 2025 (116-101), but OKC has won the three prior by an average of 18 points. The over has hit in six of the last 10 encounters.
Betting Trends
Spread: Oklahoma City is 15-12 ATS overall (7-6 on road), while Minnesota is 10-17 ATS (5-9 at home).
Over/Under: Thunder games have gone over in 6 of last 8, but Minnesota’s have gone under in 4 of last 5.
Key Trends: Oklahoma City is 5-1 ATS in last 6 games and 8-0 SU on road. Minnesota is 2-5 ATS in last 7 but 4-1 ATS at home vs. OKC in last 5. The over has hit in 9 of OKC’s last 13 Friday games; under in 8 of Minnesota’s last 10 at home. Head-to-head: OKC 4-6 ATS in last 10, but 7-3 SU; over 6-4.
Game Odds
Oklahoma City Thunder – 7.5
Minnesota Timberwolves 230.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, December 18, 2025
