Event Details
- Date and Time: Monday, May 26, 2025, 6:30 CDT
- Venue: Paycom Center, Oklahoma, USA
- Competition: NBA Playoff Game
| Odds via 20Bet | |
|---|---|
| Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves | Monday, May 26, 2025, 6:30 CDT |
| Oklahoma City Thunder Odds | -145 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves Odds | +131 |
| Over\Under | Over 220.5: +106 |
| Betting Bonus | Up to 100 $/€ |
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves Preview
Oklahoma City Thunder Team News
OKC was looking to put the series away with a 3-0 lead, but unfortunately, they simply didn’t show up for game 3 at all, getting blown out of the water 143-101. They looked nothing like they did in games 1 and 2, with abysmal shooting, lacking defence, and no real energy to speak of in the second half.
The reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, also looked plain terrible in game three, shooting 4-13 from the floor for just 14 points. The wonder kid struggled to get to the line, with the refs allowing Minnesota to play some aggressive defence, which led SGA to have a putrid -32 +- when he was on the court; he was a literal liability.
Final from Minneapolis pic.twitter.com/wX47UdWVoT
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 25, 2025
Chet Holmgren also had a pretty bad showing, albeit not as bad as SGA, dropping just 10 points and getting dominated by Rudy Gobert for most of the game.
That perimeter defence that we were anticipating from OKC was still decent, although nowhere near as suffocating as games 1 and 2, which can be evidently seen in how well Minnesota shot throughout the game. They weren’t able to hound Anthony Edwards like they needed to, allowing him to play a strong floor general role, getting the offence moving.
If the Thunder want that 3-1 lead after game 4, they’re going to have to really shape up, especially SGA. He simply can’t be shooting 4-13 from the floor with just 4 free throws if he wants to give his team a real fighting chance at going to the NBA finals.
Minnesota Timberwolves Team News
The Minnesota Timberwolves completely turned around for game 3, bringing back the series with a seriously needed win. The duo of Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle decided to show up, shooting great from the field along with finally drawing a bunch of much-needed fouls to get to the line.
Randle, in particular, showed up for game 3, shaking off the nerves from games one and two, finally creating offence for himself like she should. Instead of forcing unnecessary shots like in game 2, he was picking his spots well and shooting at a super-efficient clip.
best bench in the league fr. pic.twitter.com/cfPMWiBnMr
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) May 25, 2025
Surprisingly, Rudy Gobert also showed up in a much bigger way in game 3, not getting relegated to the bench and playing some impactful minutes. His contributions seriously slowed down Chet Holmgren and SGA, clogging up the paint and giving his backcourt a little bit of breathing room to get in shooters’ faces.
Anthony Edwards was also the beast that many of us were hoping to see, shooting amazingly from the floor and clamping down on defence. His efforts against SGA were huge in the win, and on the offensive side of the ball, he was able to play that floor general role like a true veteran.
143 points.
that’s the most points the Wolves have ever scored in a postseason game. 🐺@Sprite Game Recap » https://t.co/aNnunKFSo0 pic.twitter.com/K1AgoCiMKb
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) May 25, 2025
Minnesota really showcased that they have the ability to take down the Thunder if they really put their minds to it; it’s just going to take some consistency.
As long as the Timberwolves keep the same pace from last game, and Randle doesn’t become a brick machine like in games 1 and 2, they should have a decent shot at tying the series 2-2.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction
- Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder to win
- Odds: -145 (20Bet)
- Score prediction: OKC 120 – 115 Minnesota Timberwolves
Despite the loss in game 3, we still think OKC should have the edge going into game 4, especially with the home crown at their back. The 143-101 loss will still be fresh in their minds, which gives them all the incentive in the world to pick it up and put the Timberwolves down 3-1. Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle may have played their hearts out in game 3, but they’ll need some truly herculean performances to beat OKC at home.
As long as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander doesn’t drop the ball like he did in game 2, or at the very least scores 20+ points, they should have a large advantage at home. The facts still stand regardless of that game 3 blowout. Chet Holmgren should be able to outspace Minnesota’s big men, and SGA should be able to draw a number of fouls, grabbing easy points.
Tonight’s @OGandE Power Play of the Game pic.twitter.com/Ss9OyFHZnq
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 25, 2025
However, OKC is going to really need to lock in on Randle, as they can’t let him light them up like he did in game 3. If you put Randle under pressure, he oftentimes folds, especially with a big man in his face. If they can manage to shut him down, the Minnesota offence will struggle hugely.
That’s not to say Minnesota has no shot at tying this series up, though, as they’ve just shown us how good they can be when shots are dropping. If they get hot, and Randle is playing effectively, grabbing defenders’ attention, Edwards could lead them to a clutch win.
Getting the night started with this BIG MAN CONNECTION 😤 pic.twitter.com/E3tDQSE301
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 25, 2025
Reffing is also going to play a giant role, as the Timberwolves thrive under more contact; if the refs let them play without whistles, it could be in their favor.
All in all, we still have to give it to the favorites going into game 4, they simply have a better team overall, with a deeper bench. Minnesota relies far too heavily on Randle and Edwards, and with the former being known for choking; it’s a recipe for disaster.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Tips
- Pick: Anthony Edwards to score 28.5 or more
- Odds: -106
Anthony Edwards will be riding high after stomping OKC in game 3, and he will be looking to repeat in game four. With this, he will likely continue to take much of the offensive load, especially in crunch time when it really matters. As a clutch player, seeing him drop 28.5 or more really isn’t too unlikely.
- Pick: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to score 31.5 or more
- Odds: -120 (20Bet)
After his terrible play in game 3, SGA is going to be looking to redeem himself in front of the home crowd. With his fans at his back and a fire under him, he’s likely going to go off in game 4, taking on the bulk of the offensive load, which should translate to some pretty high scoring numbers.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves Where to Watch (USA, Canada)
- NBA League Pass,ESPN+, Fubo (USA)
- TSN,Sportsnet (Canada)
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