The Oklahoma City Thunder (38-10) face the Minnesota Timberwolves (29-19) in a high-stakes Western Conference matchup that could influence seeding as the season progresses. The Thunder, leading the West, enter on a strong note after a defensive masterclass against the Pelicans, while the Timberwolves have won back-to-back games, including a dominant performance over the Mavericks on a back-to-back. This is the third meeting this season, with the series tied 1-1; OKC won the first 113-105 on Nov. 26 behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 40 points, but Minnesota responded with a 112-107 victory on Dec. 19. Without key players on both sides, expect a gritty contest at Target Center, where Minnesota’s home defense meets OKC’s elite scoring.
Venue Location
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Tipoff is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. PT).
The game will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video and FDSOK, with radio coverage available.
Recent Team Forms
The Thunder have been dominant, winning seven of their last 10 with elite scoring and defense. The Timberwolves are heating up, winning three straight after a five-game skid, focusing on rebounding and perimeter play.
Oklahoma City Thunder (Last 10 Games: 7-3, Avg. 113.2 PPG)
Recent Streak: Won 1.
Key Results:
Jan. 27 vs. NOP: W 104-95 (Gilgeous-Alexander 29 PTS, Holmgren 20 PTS, 14 REB).
Jan. 25 vs. MEM: W 108-99 (Sengun 33 PTS).
Jan. 23 @ DET: W 111-104.
Jan. 21 @ PHI: L 122-128 (OT).
Jan. 19 vs. SAS: W 111-106.
Strengths: Top scoring offense (120.5 PPG); Efficient FG% (49.5%); Gilgeous-Alexander leading with 32.0 PPG.
Weaknesses: Recent home losses (2 straight before Pelicans win); 3-point shooting dips in losses (27-31%).
Minnesota Timberwolves (Last 10 Games: 4-6, Avg. 111.4 PPG)
Recent Streak: Won 3 straight.
Key Results:
Jan. 28 @ DAL: W 118-105 (Randle 31 PTS, Reid 23 PTS).
Jan. 26 vs. GSW: W 108-83 (Gobert 15 PTS, 17 REB; Randle 18 PTS).
Jan. 25 vs. MIA: L 102-111.
Jan. 23 @ ATL: L 103-110.
Jan. 20 @ PHI: W 116-110 (Green 12 PTS in return).
Strengths: Strong rebounding (55.4 RPG in wins); Edwards averaging 29.4 PPG; Efficient FG% in recent wins (55.8%).
Weaknesses: 4-6 in last 10; Back-to-back fatigue; Allowing 111.0 PPG in losses.
Injury Report
Injuries impact both teams, with OKC missing depth players and MIN potentially without Edwards on a back-to-back.
Oklahoma City Thunder:
OUT: Nikola Topic (groin).
QUESTIONABLE: Ajay Mitchell (abdomen), Cason Wallace (hip), Alex Caruso (thigh), Jalen Williams (hamstring).
PROBABLE: Isaiah Hartenstein (calf; returning).
Minnesota Timberwolves:
OUT: Terrence Shannon Jr. (foot).
QUESTIONABLE: Anthony Edwards (foot; maintenance on back-to-back).
QUESTIONABLE: Leonard Miller (back spasms).
Key
Player Matchups
Expected starting lineups amid injuries:
Thunder: PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, SG Cason Wallace, SF Luguentz Dort, PF Chet Holmgren, C Isaiah Hartenstein.
Timberwolves: PG Donte DiVincenzo, SG Anthony Edwards, SF Jaden McDaniels, PF Julius Randle, C Rudy Gobert.
Key Matchups:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Donte DiVincenzo: Gilgeous-Alexander (32.0 PPG, 6.4 APG) exploits mismatches; DiVincenzo’s defense aims to contain.
Chet Holmgren vs. Rudy Gobert: Holmgren (20.0 PPG, 14 REB recently) vs. Gobert’s rim protection (15 PTS, 17 REB).
Jalen Williams vs. Julius Randle: Williams (16.8 PPG) tests Randle’s versatility (22.4 PPG, 6.9 REB).
Luguentz Dort vs. Jaden McDaniels: Defensive specialists; Dort’s physicality vs. McDaniels’ length.
Series History
All-time: Thunder lead 93-49 in 142 regular-season games.
Recently: Thunder 3-2 in last 5 head-to-head.
This season: Tied 1-1; Thunder won 113-105 on Nov. 26 (Gilgeous-Alexander 40 PTS); Timberwolves won 112-107 on Dec. 19.
Betting Trends
ATS Trends: Thunder 23-25 ATS (strong as favorites); Timberwolves 30-15-2 ATS (good as underdogs).
Thunder 5-2 ATS in last 7 vs. MIN; Over in 4 of last 5 meetings.
Game Odds
Oklahoma City Thunder – 5.5
Minnesota Timberwolves 226.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 27, 2026
