The Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves are set to clash in the Western Conference finals, both teams eager for a shot at the NBA Finals. Oklahoma City last made it in 2012, while Minnesota is still chasing their first appearance. The excitement kicks off with Game 1 on Tuesday night in OKC.
This season, the Thunder dominated the West, racking up 68 wins in the regular season. They swept the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round and faced a tough test against the Denver Nuggets in the second round, pushing through in Game 7 with a standout performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 35 points.
On the other hand, the Timberwolves are riding high. Anthony Edwards has been a driving force, leading his team back to the conference finals for the second consecutive year. They’ve gone 8-2 in the playoffs, knocking out both the Lakers and Warriors. After losing the first game against Golden State, they rallied to win four straight, boosted by the absence of Stephen Curry due to injury.
Last year, Minnesota fell short in the conference finals against the Dallas Mavericks. Meanwhile, the Thunder are looking to shake off their last appearance in 2016, where they lost to the Warriors.
This matchup showcases two teams hungry for success and ready to battle. With the Thunder’s solid track record this season and the Timberwolves determined to correct past mistakes, fans can expect an intense series.
Game 1 Schedule:
- Game 1: Tuesday, May 20 | Timberwolves vs. Thunder | 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
- Game 2: Thursday, May 22 | Timberwolves vs. Thunder | 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
- Game 3: Saturday, May 24 | Thunder vs. Timberwolves | 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC
- Game 4: Monday, May 26 | Thunder vs. Timberwolves | 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
- *Game 5: Wednesday, May 28 | Timberwolves vs. Thunder | 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
- *Game 6: Friday, May 30 | Thunder vs. Timberwolves | 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
- *Game 7: Sunday, June 1 | Timberwolves vs. Thunder | 8 p.m. ET on ESPN
As the teams face off, external odds show the Thunder as favorites, with a series line of Thunder -330 and Timberwolves +265. Game 1 sees the Thunder favored by 7.5 points, with a total over/under of 216.
For fans, it’s not just about the game. Social media is buzzing with excitement, with trending hashtags reflecting the anticipation. Many are debating the chances of Minnesota pulling off an upset, especially with one expert stating, “Early games in the series can set the tone, especially after a long playoff run.” Explore more insights here.
As the countdown begins, both teams are ready to leave everything on the court. Who will claim the victory and advance to the Finals?