The Oklahoma City Thunder invade the Target Center to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night. Here’s a Timberwolves vs Thunder Prediction. This article will include a Timberwolves vs Thunder Pick.
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Preview
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been in great form as they’ve won eight of their last 11 games overall and they will be eager to maintain that momentum after running past the Pelicans in a 104-95 win on Tuesday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the team with 29 points, six rebounds and four assists, Chet Holmgren added 20 points with 14 rebounds and five blocks while Isaiah Joe chipped in with 17 points off the bench. As a team, the Thunder shot 40 percent from the field and 13 of 38 from the 3-point line as they struggled to make their shots. They couldn’t get much of a lead despite holding the Pelicans to just 14 points in the first quarter. But it was only a matter of time before they got on a run, and that happened in the third quarter where they poured in 31 points to pull ahead by as many as 17 points. Jaylin Williams had a rough game as he shot just one of eight from the field to finish with just four points.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t look too good during their five-game losing streak, but they’ve bounced back into form. They are now aiming for a third straight win after blowing past the Mavericks in a 118-105 road win last night. Julius Randle led the team with 31 points, five rebounds and four assists, Naz Reid added 23 points with eight rebounds and three assists while Anthony Edwards chipped in with 20 points, six rebounds and six assists. As a team, the Timberwolves shot 44 percent from the field and seven of 22 from the 3-point line as they held the Mavericks to just 19 points in the second quarter to take a 10-point lead into halftime. Before they exploded for 34 points in the third quarter to push the lead out to 17 points and win comfortably despite a poor shooting night.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win
- The Timberwolves have won nine of their last 10 home games following a road win.
- The Thunder have lost five of their last eight games as road favorites against Northwest Division opponents following a win.
- The Thunder have failed to cover the spread in each of their last 10 road games against Northwest Division opponents that held a winning record.
- The underdogs have covered the spread in each of the Thunder’s last six games at Target Center.
Why the Oklahoma City Thunder will win
- The Thunder have won each of their last 13 games when playing with a rest advantage.
- The Timberwolves have lost each of their last six games as underdogs against Western Conference opponents following a win.
- The road team has covered the spread in each of the Thunder’s last five games.
- The Timberwolves have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games against Northwest Division opponents following a win.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Timberwolves’ last eight home games against Western Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Five of the Thunder’s last six night games against Northwest Division opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
Minnesota Timberwolves Player Facts
- Rudy Gobert ranks 1st amongst qualified players for FG% (70.7%) this season.
- Anthony Edwards ranks 3rd amongst qualified players for points per game (29.4) this season.
Oklahoma City Thunder Player Facts
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has recorded 46 games with 3+ assists this season – equal-most of any player in the league.
- Chet Holmgren is one of only two players to have made 9+ field goals without a miss in a game this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Timberwolves rank T1st in the league for H2 win percentage this season (70.8%).
- The Timberwolves have used only six different starting fives this season – fewest in the league.
- The Thunder rank 1st in the league for points per game this season (120.5).
- The Thunder rank 1st in the league for opponent points per game this season (107.6).
Timberwolves vs Thunder Prediction
The Thunder are still shorthanded with Jalen Williams, Alex Caruso, and Ajay Mitchell still out, while the Timberwolves are still missing Terrence Shannon Jr.
These teams have already met twice this season with each team winning at home, but the Timberwolves are playing their second game of a back to back set. I wouldn’t be shocked if the Timberwolves pulled off the upset at home, but with the line so short I prefer a play on the Thunder to take care of business on the road.