2024/25 NBA West Finals - Timberwolves at Thunder (Game 5)
It's win or go home for the Timberwolves in Game 5 as they're down 3-1 in the West Finals. The Thunder haven't lost at home in the playoffs this year, so they'll look to book their spot in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012. Here is a preview of a crucial Game 5 matchup on Thursday.
Timberwolves at Thunder (OKC leads series 3-1)
The Minnesota Timberwolves are heading into Game 5 with their backs against the wall, facing elimination for the first time in this postseason. After taking care of business in the first two rounds—winning both series in five games—this is unfamiliar territory.
Now down 3–1 in the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, they’ll need to dig deep to extend their season. The biggest concern? Their top stars. Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, who carried much of the load in earlier rounds, combined for just 21 points on 6-of-20 shooting in a tough Game 4 loss. That’s a major drop from their Game 3 outing, where they were electric, going 21-for-32 from the field and pouring in 54 points combined. If Minnesota wants any shot at forcing a Game 6, those two will have to lead the charge.
Despite the disappointing finish in Game 4 — a 128–126 heartbreaker at home in Minneapolis—the Timberwolves did get solid production from others. Nickeil Alexander-Walker stepped up with 23 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds, shooting 60% from the floor. Jaden McDaniels also came through with 22 points and shot 60% himself. Those kinds of performances from the supporting cast will be crucial again, but it’s the stars that need to show up on the road in Oklahoma City.
The Timberwolves come into Game 5 as underdogs, both on the scoreboard and in the betting markets. Still, there are a few reasons for punters to keep them in mind. Minnesota has covered the spread in 8 of its last 12 games and is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 against the Thunder. They’ve also gone 12-5 straight up over their last 17 overall—proof that they’ve been finding ways to win even when the odds are stacked. That said, OKC has had their number lately, with Minnesota going just 2-4 SU in their last 6 meetings.
With the series shifting back to OKC, the pressure is sky-high for the Timberwolves. The Thunder are one of the best home teams in the league, and closing things out in front of their crowd would be the statement finish they’re looking for. For Minnesota, this is a gut-check moment. If Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle can rediscover their rhythm, and the supporting cast stays hot, they’ve got the tools to push this series at least one game further. But if they falter, this could be the end of the road.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are on the verge of making history, sitting just one win away from their first trip to the NBA Finals since 2012. Holding a 3–1 series lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves, OKC is in the driver’s seat heading into Game 5. After getting blown out by 42 points in Game 3—a game where nothing went their way—they responded with a clutch performance in Game 4, taking a 128–126 win on the road in Minneapolis. That bounce-back victory didn’t just give them control of the series; it showed they can take a punch and fire right back.
Leading the charge was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who continues to look every bit the superstar. He dropped 40 points with 10 assists and 9 rebounds, narrowly missing a triple-double while carrying the team through critical moments. Jalen Williams also stepped up big, scoring 34 points on an efficient 54.2% shooting, and Chet Holmgren chipped in with timely buckets and rim protection. Together, OKC’s big three combined for a jaw-dropping 95 points in the win, reminding everyone why they’re a legit title threat.
Now the Thunder return home, where they’ve been untouchable during the playoffs, winning five straight on their home floor. Historically, they’ve also been money in this spot, winning each of their last six Western Conference Finals home games that followed a win. The crowd will be fired up, the team’s confidence is sky-high, and with momentum fully on their side, this is a golden opportunity to punch their ticket to the Finals.
For punters, OKC has been a solid play lately. They’re 4-1 straight up in their last five games and 5-0 in their last five home contests. Shai, in particular, has dominated Minnesota at home — he’s scored 31+ points in each of his last eight games in OKC against the Wolves. Add in their depth, composure, and home-court advantage, and it’s hard not to like their chances to close this one out.
All eyes will be on Game 5, and if the Thunder come out with the same fire they showed in Game 4, they could be cutting down the nets and looking ahead to a shot at the championship.
Stadium Record
OKC haven't lost at home in this year's playoffs, they are 5-0. Minnesota are 0-2 at this venue in this series.
Head to Head Record
The Thunder have won 6 of the last 10 games and hold a 3-1 series lead in the West finals.
Best Bet
The Wolves struggled in both games on the road in this series, scoring just 88 and 103 pts. However, they have picked up their scoring since then at home and hopefully they can bring that shooting form to OKC. With the Thunder scoring 114+ pts in 3 of 4 games, I think this will be a high scoring affair. The Over is now 5-1 in the Timberwolves last 6 games and 12-5 when they play at this venue. OKC are 5-1 against the Over in their last 6 as well and 4-1 when they play a team from the West.
Same Game Multi
Keeping it simple with this Game 5 multi. Shai loves playing on his home court as he's scored 31 or more points in his last 8 games against the T-Wolves. If Shai plays well, the Thunder should close out the series - they're 5-0 on their home court.
Over 220.5 pts / Thunder WIN / Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30+ pts = $3.30
