Oklahoma City (44-9) at Minnesota (30-25)
- When: Feb 13 2025, 8:30 PM
- Where: Target Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- TV: TNT
Game Preview
Spread: Oklahoma City -8.0 | Total: 222.0
Oklahoma City Thunder Outlook
The Thunder enter the final game before the All-Star break as the hottest team in the NBA, sitting atop the overall standings with a seven-game winning streak. They’ll look to maintain their hold on the league’s best record when they visit Minnesota on Thursday night.
Oklahoma City took care of business against Miami on Wednesday, securing a 115-101 victory behind another stellar performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who poured in 32 points with nine assists. Luguentz Dort stepped up as well, scoring 17 points on an efficient 7-for-10 shooting while playing his signature lockdown defense.
Head coach Mark Daigneault had high praise for Dort’s effort in shutting down Miami’s Tyler Herro, noting that while elite scorers will still get their points, Dort forces them to work for every shot. That defensive intensity will be crucial again against Minnesota, particularly against Anthony Edwards, who leads the Timberwolves in scoring.
One key factor to watch is the return of Chet Holmgren, who was rested against the Heat but is expected to suit up against the Timberwolves. Holmgren, a Minneapolis native, will have a homecoming game in front of the Minnesota crowd, and he’ll have the tall task of matching up with Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid inside.
Oklahoma City already owns a win over Minnesota this season, having taken the first meeting 113-105 on Dec. 31, thanks to a 40-point performance from Gilgeous-Alexander. Expect the Thunder to continue pushing the tempo and using their depth to wear down the Timberwolves.
Minnesota Timberwolves Outlook
The Timberwolves are coming off a frustrating 103-101 home loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, a game where they failed to capitalize on the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Despite a 28-point effort from Anthony Edwards, the Wolves couldn’t complete the comeback, with Edwards missing a potential game-winning shot in the final seconds.
Head coach Chris Finch has made it clear he’s putting pressure on his younger players to step up, particularly as Minnesota integrates three rookies into the rotation. Terrence Shannon Jr. (11 points), Rob Dillingham (2 points), and Jaylen Clark (0 points in 14 minutes) all saw extended action against the Bucks, and Finch indicated they will continue to get meaningful minutes heading into the break.
The challenge for Minnesota will be finding offensive consistency and protecting the paint against a Thunder team that thrives on attacking the rim. If Gobert and Reid can establish a strong defensive presence inside and force Oklahoma City to settle for perimeter shots, Minnesota may have a chance to cover the spread or even pull off an upset.
The Wolves will also look for a bounce-back performance from Edwards, who had a rough shooting night in his previous matchup against the Thunder. He’ll need to be aggressive early and avoid getting bogged down by Oklahoma City’s suffocating perimeter defense.
Betting Predictions & Picks
Spread Pick: Oklahoma City has been dominant during its winning streak, and with Holmgren back in the lineup, they should control the paint and dictate the pace. Minnesota is still adjusting to lineup changes, and their inconsistency makes them a risky play. Take the Thunder -8.0.
Total Pick: Both teams have strong defensive identities, but Oklahoma City has been rolling offensively, while Minnesota’s defense has slipped recently. With Edwards looking to bounce back and the Thunder pushing the pace, over 222.0 seems like the best play.
Player Props to Watch:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 31.5 Points: He torched Minnesota for 40 points in their last meeting.
Chet Holmgren Over 6.5 Rebounds: He’ll be fresh after resting Wednesday and should play big minutes.
Anthony Edwards Over 3.5 Made Threes: Expect him to be aggressive from deep after a disappointing loss.
Oklahoma City’s depth, efficiency, and defensive pressure should be enough to secure the win and cover against a Timberwolves team still finding its rhythm.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
