Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Game 1 Odds, Time, and Prediction

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Game 1 is the first game of the series that will decide the Western Conference champion in 2025. We expect G1 to be a real banger, but who’s gonna win it? Keep reading to see our prediction!

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Game 1 Odds

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When, Where, and How to Watch?

• Place: Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma      
• Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
• How to Watch: ESPN

Minnesota Timberwolves are a Force to Be Reckoned With

The Minnesota Timberwolves made it to the Western Conference Finals somewhat surprisingly. They finished the regular season in 6^th place in the West and didn’t have to take part in the Play-Ins thanks to their brilliant run in the closing stages of the season.

Then, in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, they knocked out two California-based teams. First, they beat the Los Angeles Lakers 4-1 in the series. Then, they did the same to the Golden State Warriors.

Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards were incredible in all 10 of the Playoff games the ‘Wolves have played so far. These guys were great in the regular season as well, especially against tough opponents like Oklahoma. In fact, Edwards was brilliant in each of the four Timberwolves vs. Thunder games played in 2025 – three of which his team won.

Can Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Lead Oklahoma to Western Crown?

Oklahoma City Thunder owe their success to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. In Game 7 with the Denver Nuggets, for example, he scored 35 points, leading his team to a 125-93 victory. What’s interesting is that he went over 30 in the two games before that as well.

The Canadian point guard is arguably the best NBA player in 2025. He’s averaging over 32.0 points per game this season – his highest number to date – and is making 6+ assists and 5+ rebounds on average.

He’s their ace in the sleeve, but other than him, the Thunder doesn’t have too many world-beaters. Sure, Jalen Williams and Aaron Wiggins have been playing well, but they just don’t seem the kind of players who could win trophies without Shai’s help.

To be fair to the guys, they did lead Oklahoma to three wins when he was out with an injury back in April. However, those wins were against New Orleans, Utah, and Phoenix – who aren’t as dangerous as Minnesota.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder G1 Prediction

To beat Oklahoma, you need to find a way to stop Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Well, if there’s a team that can stop him, it’s Minnesota. The Timberwolves are great at defense, so we wouldn’t be surprised if they managed to keep Shai to under 30 points. And that should be enough for them to win Game 1 or, at least, not lose by more than 8 points.

Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves +7.5