Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction, Odds and Game 2 Picks for Thursday, 05/22/25

Paycom CenterESPN
Timberwolves
0-1
Timberwolves
Yesterday
Thunder
1-0
Thunder

Vote on who will win!

Oklahoma City Thunder

Timberwolves vs Thunder Pickswise Expert Predictions

Minnesota Timberwolves
NBA
Oklahoma City Thunder
Game Totals Pick
Over 214.0(-110)MIN Timberwolves @ OKC Thunder

When your best player attacks the rim only once in a game, it’s hard to really expect a result. That’s exactly what happened to the Timberwolves in Game 1 as Anthony Edwards went for just 1 layup/dunk, with the rest of his attempts being jump shots. Not only that, as a whole the Timberwolves shot 51 threes, converting just 15 of them. Some drastic adjustments will have to be made for Game 2, as Julius Randle was the only bright spot with 28 points on 9-for-13 shooting. He made 5 threes in the game, which was a third of Minnesota’s shots that went in from deep. Turnovers were another thing that killed Chris Finch’s men as they committed 17 of them. The Thunder had just 12.

Speaking of the Thunder, they’ll be extremely happy after winning that series opener, as 16 of the last 17 Western Conference teams that won Game 1 at home have gone on to advance to the NBA Finals. It wasn’t a performance to remember, especially in the first half, but the defense of the Thunder showed up when it mattered the most. They clogged the paint, forcing the T-Wolves into tough shots away from the basket. Then in the 2nd half, OKC shifted into another gear offensively and outscored Minnesota 70-40. If you’re head coach Mark Daigneault, you aren’t messing with the gameplan for Game 2 all that much, because whatever the Wolves threw at the Thunder, Oklahoma City seemed to have an answer for it.

I expect Minnesota to come out with a completely different approach here; they were just too passive after jumping out to that 8-0 lead to begin the game. There’s no way 51 of their 83 shots will be three-pointers again, as it would be foolish to try the same strategy after it didn’t work on Tuesday. The total has now dropped by 6 points compared to Game 1, and with a much improved Timberwolves offense I think we’re in line for a more productive game on that end of the floor. The Over has cashed in 11 of 16 meetings at OKC and I expect those trends to continue here.

Timberwolves vs Thunder Game 2 prediction: Over 214 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

If you’re looking for a new sportsbook, we recommend checking out Fanatics Sportsbook, where new users can bet $30 and receive $300 in bonus bets INSTANTLY! Join Fanatics Sportsbook, where you can bet on our Timberwolves vs Thunder predictions.

Filip Tomic
Photo of Filip Tomic

Filip Tomic

Long-time NBA fan, following the game closely for 21 years now. Joined the Pickswise writing staff for the 2020-21 season and have given out winning picks since. Hopefully we can make some money together! Oh, and I firmly believe Lebron James is not one of the two best basketball players of all time. Yeah, I said it. For Filip Tomic media enquiries, please email contact@pickswise.com.
Read more about Filip Tomic

Same Game Parlay

Point Spread
OKC Thunder -7.5
Game Totals
Over 214.5
Player Threes Made
A. Caruso (OKC) - Over 1.5 threes

Oklahoma City Thunder -7.5 over Minnesota Timberwolves (-112)

Oklahoma City was downright bad in the first half of Game 1 but trailed by only 4 points at halftime. It was on in the second half, as the Thunder outscored the Timberwolves 70-40 over the final 24 minutes en route to a 114-88 victory. Just think what would have happened if the home team had not come out of the gates slowly on the heels of a 7-game series against the Denver Nuggets. I’m not saying the Thunder are going to win Game 2 by 50 because the Timberwolves can also be expected to raise their overall level, but asking the best team in basketball to cover a modest -7.5 spread at home should not be too much.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31 points in the opener) brings his best pretty much every night, and now he may be playing with even more spring in his step after being named NBA MVP on Wednesday. At the other end of the floor, OKC showed why it was the Western Conference’s No. 1 scoring defense during the regular season at 107.6 ppg allowed. It limited Anthony Edwards to 18 points on 5-for-13 shooting. Give me this juggernaut of a team to win and cover in Game 2.

Over 214.5 (-110)

It’s hard to think that the T-Wolves will be kept under the 90-point mark again on Thursday – and probably not even under the century mark. Edwards did not attack the basket at all in Game 1, recording just 1 layup or dunk and otherwise attempting nothing but jump shots. As a team, Minnesota went 15-for-51 from three-point range and committed 17 turnovers. I don’t care how formidable the Thunder’s defense is; the Timberwolves are almost certain to be much more competent offensively in Game 2. As for OKC’s offense, it had every answer for everything Minnesota threw at it in the second half. There is no reason for head coach Mark Daigneault to switch anything up on Thursday, so additional success for SGA and company can be expected. Let’s add the Over to our Timberwolves vs Thunder Same Game Parlay.

Alex Caruso Over 1.5 three-pointers made (+135)

All 3 of Caruso’s made field goals in Game 1 came from the land of plenty. He was 3-for-4 from the field and 3-for-3 from deep. Success from three-point range is nothing new for the 31-year-old, who also shot the ball well in round 2 against Denver. Caruso has made multiple three-pointers in 6 of his last 8 contests dating back to the start of that series, including a 5-for-9 effort during a Game 1 loss to the Nuggets.

It’s also worth noting that the Texas A&M product sank 3 triples on Tuesday even though he logged only 22 minutes in what became a blowout late. Caruso figures to play more minutes in Game 2 if Minnesota can keep it at least somewhat competitive. He played 28, 24, 27 and 26 minutes off the bench in the last 4 games against Denver.

Pickswise

Pickswise Expert Prop Picks

Minnesota Timberwolves
First Basket Scorer Pick
J. Randle (MIN) to score first basket(+650)

Aside from Julius Randle, Game 1 was a performance to forget offensively for most of the Timberwolves players. With 28 points Randle led the team in scoring and it took him only 13 shots to get there. He also made 5 of his 6 three-pointers in that game. I’m looking at Randle to once again have an impact on Thursday’s game with another hot start.

Rudy Gobert was able to win the opening tip on Tuesday against Chet Holmgren, helping Jaden McDaniels drain a 27-foot three-pointer to start the game. It was the first time a Timberwolves player won the tip this season after OKC went 4-0 in the 4 regular-season meetings. With all the pressure in Game 2 being on the T-Wolves, I expect their sense of urgency to be far greater at the beginning of this game which should help Gobert win the tip again.

Only Anthony Edwards (15.9%) has attempted more first shots this season than Randle (14.1%) on this Minnesota roster. But what gives Randle the edge here is the fact that he’s made 15.4% of the team’s 1st baskets this year, which leads all Minnesota players by 4.4%. Over their last 10 games, Randle has scored the first basket 3 times, which leads the team. We can only hope he enters Game 2 with a similar mindset to the one we saw in the series opener. If that’s the case then there’s a solid chance of Randle making the first basket here.

Oklahoma City Thunder
Filip Tomic

Featured In

Top Trends
Money Line

The Thunder have won 4 of their last 5 home games against divisional opponents.

Point Spread

The Timberwolves have covered the spread in 10 of their 17 matchups against divisional teams this season.

Game Totals

The Under is 4-1 in the Timberwolves' last 5 matchups against divisional opponents.

DraftKings

$300

Bet $5, Get $300 In Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins

Sign up for a new account with DraftKings Sportsbook and make your first deposit

Bet $5 on any sports market and get $300 in bonus bets if your bet wins

Gambling Problem? Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/LA/MD/MI/NJ/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MD/MI/NJ/NY/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in OH/ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 bet. $300 issued as bonus bets that expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded. See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com.

Fanatics Sportsbook

$250

Bet $50, Get $250 In Bonus Bets

Sign up for a new Fanatics Sportsbook account.

Bet $10 on any event for 5 straight days

You\'ll get $50 in bonuses each day ($250 total)

Must be 21+ to participate. | T&Cs apply. | Play Responsibly. | Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700; AZ 1-800-NEXT-STEP; CT (888) 789-7777; MA (800)-327-5050; NY 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369); VA 1-888-532-3500; CO, IA, KS, KY, MD, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VT, WV 1-800-GAMBLER; MD Please play responsibly, for help visit mdgamblinghelp.org or call 1-800-GAMBLER

Fanatics Sportsbook

$250

Bet $50, Get $250 in Bonus Bets

Sign up for a new Fanatics Sportsbook account.

Bet $10 on any event for 5 straight days

Each days, you'll get $50 in bonuses ($250 total)

Must be 21+ to participate. | T&Cs apply. | Play Responsibly. | Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700; AZ 1-800-NEXT-STEP; CT (888) 789-7777; MA (800)-327-5050; NY 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369); VA 1-888-532-3500; CO, IA, KS, KY, MD, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VT, WV 1-800-GAMBLER; MD Please play responsibly, for help visit mdgamblinghelp.org or call 1-800-GAMBLER

Fanatics Sportsbook

$250

Bet $50, Get $250 in Bonus Bets

Sign up for a new Fanatics Sportsbook account.

Bet $10 on any event for 5 straight days

Each day, you'll win $50 in Bonus Bets ($250 total)

Must be 21+ to participate. | T&Cs apply. | Play Responsibly. | Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700; AZ 1-800-NEXT-STEP; CT (888) 789-7777; MA (800)-327-5050; NY 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369); VA 1-888-532-3500; CO, IA, KS, KY, MD, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VT, WV 1-800-GAMBLER; MD Please play responsibly, for help visit mdgamblinghelp.org or call 1-800-GAMBLER

Funrize

3,600

1.1 Million Gold Coins + FREE 3,600 Sweeps Coins

Sign up for a new Funrize account

You\'ll get 1.1 million gold coins + 3,600 sweeps coins for just $19.99

Terms and Conditions apply. 18+ to play.

Funrize

3,600

1.1 Million Gold Coins + FREE 3,600 Sweeps Coins

Sign up for a new Funrize account

You'll get 1.1 million gold coins + 3,600 sweeps coins for just $19.99

Terms and Conditions apply. 18+ to play.

DraftKings

$300

Bet $5, Get $300 In Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins

Sign up for a new account with DraftKings Sportsbook and make your first deposit

Bet $5 on any sports market and get $300 in bonus bets if your bet wins

Gambling Problem? Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/LA/MD/MI/NJ/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MD/MI/NJ/NY/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in OH/ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 bet. $300 issued as bonus bets that expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded. See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com.

DraftKings

$300

Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins

Sign up for a new account with DraftKings Sportsbook and make your first deposit

Bet $5 on any sports market and get $300 in bonus bets if your bet wins

Must be 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537). See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com.

Sportzino

Coins

Get up to 1,570,000 Gold Coins + 45 FREE Sweeps Coins upon signup

Sign up for an account with Sportzino

You’ll get a 1,570,000 Gold Coins + 45 free Sweeps Coins upon signup

Start making bets with the at the Sportzino Social Sportsbook & Casino

Get up to 1,570,000 Gold Coins + 45 FREE Sweeps Coins upon signup

Sportzino

Coins

Get up to 1,570,000 Gold Coins + 45 FREE Sweeps Coins upon signup

Sign up for an account with Sportzino

You’ll get a 1,570,000 Gold Coins + 45 free Sweeps Coins upon signup

Start making bets with the at the Sportzino Social Sportsbook & Casino

Get up to 1,570,000 Gold Coins + 45 FREE Sweeps Coins upon signup

Hello Millions

COINS

Sign up to get 15,000 Gold Coins + 2.5 free Sweepstakes Coins

Sign up for a new Hello Millions casino account

Sign up to get 15,000 Gold Coins + 2.5 free Sweepstakes Coins

First-purchase bonus: 230,000 GC + 115 SC for $69.97 over first three purchases

Available to players aged 18 and up only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Pulsz

COINS

No Deposit Bonus: 5,000 Gold Coins + 2.3 Sweeps Coins!

Sign up for a new Pulsz casino account

Get 5,000 free GCs and 2.3 SCs simply by registering using code PW01

Get 362,000 GC and 30 Pulsz with a purchase of $19.99

Available to players aged 18 and up only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Pickswise
*
By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy