The top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder are prohibitive favorites as they open the NBA’s Western Conference Finals Tuesday night against the No. 6-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Thunder needed to work a little harder to get here, going the distance against the Denver Nuggets before finally pulling away with a 125-93 victory in Game 7 behind 35 points from MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This marks the franchise’s sixth appearance in the conference finals since moving from Seattle in 2008, though Oklahoma City is still looking for its first title.
Minnesota earned a second consecutive trip to the conference finals by eliminating the Steph Curry-less Golden State Warriors in five games. By the time this game tips off, the Timberwolves will have enjoyed five full days of rest, compared to just one off day for the Thunder.
What time is Timberwolves vs. Thunder?
Game 1 of the NBA’s Western Conference Final series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder gets underway at 8:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. CT.
Timberwolves vs. Thunder predictions: Expert Picks
USA TODAY Sports experts make predictions ahead of the series Games 1:
Timberwolves vs. Thunder series winner
- Jeff Zillgitt: Thunder in seven
- Lorenzo Reyes: Thunder in six
- Heather Tucker: Thunder in six
- James Williams: Thunder in six
- Jordan Mendoza: Timberwolves in six
- Scooby Axson: Thunder in six
- Cydney Henderson: Thunder in seven
Timberwolves vs. Thunder Game 1 winner
- Jeff Zillgitt: Oklahoma City Thunder
- Lorenzo Reyes: Oklahoma City Thunder
- Heather Tucker: Oklahoma City Thunder
- James Williams: Oklahoma City Thunder
- Scooby Axson: Oklahoma City Thunder
- Cydney Henderson: Oklahoma City Thunder
Timberwolves vs. Thunder odds
Odds via BetMGM as of Monday, May 19
Game 1 odds
- Line: Thunder – 7.5
- Moneyline: Thunder -325, Timberwolves +260
- Over/under: 215.5
Odds to win Western Conference Final
- Oklahoma City Thunder -350
- Minnesota Timberwolves +280
How to watch Timberwolves vs. Thunder: TV, stream
- Time: 8:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. CT
- Location: Paycom Center; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- TV: ESPN
- Stream: ESPN+, Fubo
