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Oklahoma City (38-10) at Minnesota (29-19)
- When: Jan 29 2026, 9:30 PM
- Where: Target Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- TV: FDSOK
Oklahoma City vs Minnesota Preview & Prediction
Spread: Oklahoma City -7.0
Moneyline: Oklahoma City (-245)
Total: 225.0
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Preview
Oklahoma City continues to navigate injuries, but this matchup brings a major boost with the return of Isaiah Hartenstein. The seven footer has not played since Dec. 28 due to a calf strain, and his presence immediately stabilizes the interior for a Thunder team that has been forced to patch things together lately.
Hartenstein’s return is especially important for Chet Holmgren, who has been carrying a heavy load defensively. Holmgren enters this game riding three straight double doubles and just swatted five shots in a win over New Orleans. He is averaging 17.9 points and 8.7 rebounds, shooting an elite 57.1 percent from the field while ranking third in the NBA with 2.0 blocks per game.
Even while shorthanded, Oklahoma City has continued to defend at a high level and play with pace. Shai Gilgeous Alexander remains the engine of the offense and one of the most dangerous downhill scorers in the league. The Thunder are still missing Jalen Williams with a hamstring strain, Alex Caruso with a thigh issue, and Ajay Mitchell with an abdominal injury. Cason Wallace is questionable due to left hip soreness, but the frontcourt depth should look much healthier than it has in weeks.
Thunder Player Prop Pick: Chet Holmgren over 26.5 points and rebounds
His scoring efficiency and rebounding role remain strong, especially with added frontcourt support.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Preview
Minnesota has finally stopped the bleeding after a rough stretch, winning two straight games including a road win in Dallas. That victory snapped a five game losing streak and showed better offensive flow, but head coach Chris Finch remains unhappy with the physicality on the defensive end.
The Timberwolves have struggled containing dribble penetration and allowing opponents to initiate contact rather than dictate it. That concern becomes more pronounced against a Thunder team with size and one of the league’s best drivers in Gilgeous Alexander.
Minnesota will need to be sharper early, especially after emotions boiled over in the last meeting between these teams. That game ended in a 112-107 Oklahoma City win and included Finch’s early ejection, which stemmed from a no call involving Julius Randle attacking the rim against Hartenstein.
The Timberwolves have talent to score enough to keep pace, but defensive lapses and fouling have made covering large spreads difficult against disciplined opponents.
Timberwolves Player Prop Pick: Anthony Edwards over 24.5 points
Minnesota leans heavily on Edwards offensively, especially at home, and he should see high usage again.
NBA Final Score & Expert Prediction
Oklahoma City’s size advantage improves dramatically with Hartenstein back, and that should help control the paint and the glass. Minnesota is playing better, but the Thunder’s defense and late game execution give them the edge.
Final Score: Thunder 116, Timberwolves 106
Lean: Oklahoma City -7.0
Total: Under 225.0
- NBA Basketball Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
