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
