The Thunder still appear to be the best team in basketball by a wide margin and have a chance to improve to 2-0 against the Timberwolves this year on Friday. OKC downed its Western Conference rival in the third round of the playoffs last year and is on track to make another deep postseason run.
Minnesota may be at a massive disadvantage in this contest, as SG Anthony Edwards might his fourth consecutive game with a foot injury. The Wolves will need all the offense they can get against dynamic Thunder PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Below, we'll preview the game (9:30 p.m. ET on Prime Video) and break down a Thunder vs. Timberwolves prediction and picks for Friday. We'll also dive into NBA player picks on PrizePicks, including PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and PF Julius Randle.
Thunder vs. Timberwolves Prediction, Spread, Over/Under
Oklahoma City can be beaten, but that may not happen too often this year. The Thunder are now 25-2 after losing to the Spurs in the NBA Cup Semifinals, despite their preferred starting five being available for just one contest.
Gilgeous-Alexander is well on his way to averaging more than 30 points in a fourth straight campaign as OKC’s leader on offense. The Thunder defense is still elite, giving up a league-low 106.1 points per game. The reigning champs are positioned to become a formidable dynasty if they maintain their current level of success.
Minnesota, on the other hand, still has to figure out a plan.
Edwards is more productive and efficient than he’s ever been as a scorer, averaging a career-high 28.7 points while shooting 50.0% from the field and 41.6% from deep for the 17-10 Timberwolves. However, he’s already missed seven games and Minnesota’s backcourt depth is thin following G-F Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s departure in the offseason. A bench matters against a team as deep as OKC.
Centers Isaiah Hartenstein (rest) and Jaylin Williams (heel) are day-to-day for the Thunder. Edwards (foot) is questionable, while PG Mike Conley (Achilles) is out for the Timberwolves.
Thunder vs. Timberwolves Over/Under, Spread
The Thunder are 7.5-point favorites in this one, returning a 1.31x payout on PrizePicks Team Picks if they win outright.
The Timberwolves return a 3.12x payout on PrizePicks Team Picks if they win outright.
- Spread: Oklahoma City Thunder -7.5
- Over/Under: 232.5
- Gamer Winner Payout: Thunder 1.31x | Timberwolves 3.12x
Team Picks data is live as of publishing and is subject to change.
Thunder vs. Timberwolves Prediction on Spread
Here are some stats to know to get you prepared for Thunder vs. Timberwolves today.
- OKC has covered in four of its previous five games.
- Minnesota is 2-5 against the spread in December.
- The Timberwolves are 0-2 against the spread as a home underdog.
- Minnesota is 6-10 against the spread on one day of rest.
Thunder vs. Timberwolves NBA Picks for PrizePicks Today
Here are some of the top Thunder vs. Timberwolves picks for today. Player projections are via the PrizePicks real-money NBA game.
Thunder PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Timberwolves Projection – 38.5 Pts + Asts
- SGA has scored at least 37 points in five of his previous six meetings with the Timberwolves.
- The reigning MVP is attempting 33.5 shots per 100 possessions, per databallr. That’s a 100th-percentile figure.
- Last year’s scoring champ has tallied at least 6 assists in eight of his last 10 matchups with Minnesota.
- Only Lakers PG Luka Doncic and Celtics F Jaylen Brown can top Gilgeous-Alexander's 33.3% usage rate.
Timberwolves PF Julius Randle vs. Thunder Projection – 26.5 Pts + Rebs
- Randle is averaging 33.1 combined points and rebounds through seven games without Edwards this season.
- The Timberwolves' big man spends 21.7% of his time on the ball, a 95th-percentile figure.
- Minnesota’s second-leading scorer takes 26.6 true shot attempts per 100 possessions, also in the 95th percentile.
- The Kentucky product’s usage rate rises from 24.5% to 28.7% when Edwards is off the court, per Add More Funds.
Make Thunder vs. Timberwolves Picks on PrizePicks
The Thunder got back on track with a win over the Clippers after losing to the Spurs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring hasn’t slowed down, and he’s dominated the Timberwolves in regular-season matchups in recent years.
Anthony Edwards is questionable with a foot injury, and Minnesota could be in for a blowout loss if he misses a fourth consecutive game. Julius Randle may have to continue taking on a larger role.
There are plenty of other options worth considering when making your Thunder vs. Timberwolves picks on PrizePicks. Just pick players, predict More or Less on at least two stat projections, then earn real-money rewards if you're right.
Stick around with the Playbook for continued NBA predictions, picks, and news.
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