Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves Thunder Playoff Game 1. Prediction, Betting Tips and Odds 20.05.2025

Event Details

• Date and Time: Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 8:30 ET
• Venue: Target Center, Minnesota, USA
• Competition: NBA Playoff Game

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves Thunder Preview

Oklahoma City Thunder Team News

Nobody can underestimate the Thunder at this point, even if they don’t have a ton of playoff experience, as they’ve managed to tear through both the first and second rounds, stomping the Nuggets 125-93 in a pivotal game 7 last round. Even without a strong veteran presence, they’ve been clutching up.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been spectacular, as many people have expected, blowing by guys and opening space for his teammates to get easy shots. His 28.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 6.6 assists have gone a long way towards winning many of these games.

GOODNIGHT ✌️ pic.twitter.com/ZQ35QLtRjJ

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 19, 2025

That being said, Anthony Edwards isn’t going to be allowing any easy buckets, so guys like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams are going to need to take some of the pressure off of SGA. Holmgren, in particular, should be able to space the floor quite well with his size, just as he did in the first and second rounds, pulling guys like Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert out of the paint.

As the heavy favorites going into the Western Conference finals, this is OKC’s game to lose. They have the talent to go all the way this year; they just need to make sure they continue to play at the same pace they have up to this point in the playoffs.

Minnesota Timberwolves Team News

After toppling the Golden State Warriors, the Timberwolves will be facing off against a young juggernaut in the OKC Thunder for a chance at the NBA championship. 

During the regular season, they managed to finish with a 2-2 record against the #1 seed, which is impressive considering their 68 wins, but it’s going to take a lot out of Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle.

gonna be a battle. pic.twitter.com/530N2nBX9O

— Oklahoma City Thunder (@Timberwolves) May 18, 2025

Edwards has been on a tear, taking down a ton of great players on his way to the Western Conference Finals, but he’s going to need to play a big part if he wants to outduel SGA. 

Randle has also been having arguably the best playoff runs of his career, with averages of 23.9 points and 5.9 rebounds on great efficiency, but the length and athleticism that OKC brings are going to be an obstacle.

However, it’s most likely not going to be high-powered offences that take everyone’s attention, as this series is going to be won or lost on defence. Minnesota has been great on the defensive side of the ball, both inside and outside, but they’ll need to be on their A-game if they want to slow down OKC.

Western Conference Finals are set. 🍿 pic.twitter.com/9JxFuoakLk

— Oklahoma City Thunder (@Timberwolves) May 18, 2025

Edwards is going to need to do his best to sit on SGA’s hip, because if he doesn’t, the floor will open up for the Thunder, especially with Holmgren sitting down low.

Minnesota definitely has a solid chance at taking game one and the series as a whole, but if they slow down for even a second, OKC is going to take that opportunity and run with it.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves Thunder Prediction

• Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder to win
• Odds: -313 (20Bet)
• Score prediction: OKC 111 – 102 Minnesota Timberwolves

The Oklahoma City Thunder are fresh off a massive game 7 win over the 2023 NBA champion Denver Nuggets, which should give them quite a bit of momentum going into game 1. However, the Anthony Edwards-led Timberwolves won’t be going out without a fight, as they’ve already managed to put down 2 solid rosters in the Rockers and Warriors.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should have no problem making it to the basket with Chet Holmgren stretching the big men outside, and if they do choose to shade in towards him, OKC has an array of shooters to punish them for doing so. It’s going to take some serious discipline on the defensive side of the ball for Minnesota if they want a shot here.

That feeling when more Thunder basketball is on the way ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/v82pIFF9c2

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 19, 2025

Nonetheless, the Timberwolves are no slouches, playing at a high level on both sides of the ball. In particular, their defence has been super solid inside with Gobert and Randle clogging up the paint. If they can continue to slow down OKC’s slashers and at least decrease their shooters’ efficiency, they could push this series to go the distance.

That’s really what game 1 and the series as a whole will rest on, though, defence. Both teams have hung their hats on their ability to stop the ball in both the half-court and in transition, which should make for a grindy, gritty series that will be a ton of fun to watch.

❝It’s the loudest basketball arena I’ve ever been in.❞

AC on the atmosphere and love in @PaycomCenter 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/CULwLTSkjD

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 19, 2025

Minnesota definitely has a shot at walking away with this series, especially considering how they walked the #2 seed Rockets in round one, but they can’t give OKC any breathing room whatsoever.

All in all, we have to give this one to the OKC Thunder. If you look at both sides of the ball, OKC is simply deeper, and SGA so far has showcased himself as a slightly better leader on the floor. This is OKC’s series to lose.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves Thunder Betting Tips 

• Pick: Anthony Edwards to score 27.5 or more
• Odds: -109

Anthony Edwards is going to have to step up if he wants to give his team a shot at walking away with a game 1 win. Towards that end, he will likely have an inflated usage rate pushing past his playoff average of 26.6 points. Moreover, with Gobert holding up Holmgren, he shouldn’t have too hard of a time slashing towards the basket.

• Pick: Shai-gilgeous Alexander to score 30.5 or less
• Odds: -119 (20Bet)

While SGA is the beating heart of this OKC roster, his individual scoring numbers could see a slight drop in this series with the athletic Edwards sitting on his hip. The two young guys will be going at each other throughout the game and series, which will likely cause SGA to defer a bunch of shots to guys who are more open. Moreover, with Gobert sitting on the inside, kicking the ball for an easy three will likely be the optimal play in many circumstances.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves Thunder Where to Watch (USA, Canada) 

• NBA League Pass,ESPN+, Fubo (USA)
• TSN,Sportsnet  (Canada)

Disclaimer: The content provided on this page, including all predictions, odds, and related information, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure accuracy and timeliness, we do not guarantee the correctness or reliability of any predictions, data, or information presented here.

By Kai Iliev

Updated: 19 May 2025, 19:29