Thunder vs Timberwolves Live updates: score, game 1 highlights

Oklahoma City's top dog are unaffordable favorites because on Tuesday evening they open the NBA final against No. 6-Samen Minnesota Timberwolves.

The thunder had to work a little harder to come here and went the distance against the Denver Nuggets before finally withdrawing a 125-93 victory behind 35 points by the MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Aalexander in game 7. This marks the sixth appearance of the franchise in the conference finale since moving from Seattle in 2008, although Oklahoma City is still looking for his first title.

Minnesota carried out a second trip to the final in a row to the conference finale in five games by eliminating the Steph Curry-Free Golden State Warriors. When this game breaks off, the Timberwolves enjoyed five full rest days compared to only one day for thunder.

When are Timberwolves against thunder?

Game 1 of the NBA Final Series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m.

How to see Timberwolves vs. Thunder: TV, stream

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET/7:30 pm CT
Location: Paycom Center; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
TV: ESPN
Electricity: ESPN+, Fubo

Timberwolves-Thunder-Torts facilities

The Timberwolves and Thunder stop at the same lists that they drove in the NBA playoffs from 2025:

Minnesota Timberwolves

Jaden McDaniels
Julius Randle
Rudy Gobert
Anthony Edwards
Mike Conley

Oklahoma City Thunder

Jalen Williams
Chet Holmgren
Isaiah Hartenstein
Lu there
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Each game has a player who makes an expected contribution larger than expected. It is not always the same player, especially with the deep Minnesota and Oklahoma City. For Minnesota it could be Jaden McDaniel's defense or Rudy Gobert's marginal protection. Or a prompt 3 pointer from Mike Conley or a big game by Donte Divincenzo or Naz Reid.

For the thunder, Alex Caruso was this player in game 7 against Denver with 11 points, three templates, three steals and an intensive defense. Chet Holmgren-at 7-1-Kann 3S, rebound and block shots and have unique problems for the opponent. The center of Isaiah Hartenstein can deliver a double double and the LU shooting shop there can influence the result. The thunder will go into their bank with Aaron Wigginsand Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe and Jaylin Williams. – Jeff Zillgitt

Mark Daignault from Oklahoma City is not worried about the Timberwolves who are trying to fight for cheap calls.

“I mean, teams, players, coaches will use the media to try to influence the pipe as a competitive advantage,” said Daigneult on Monday. “The margins are thin. In the playoffs, everyone is looking for an advantage. Some teams will go to do it.”

Daignantt continued: “My mentality about it, it is the final of the Western Conference. The (referee) work these games are not for an accident. I don't think they are influenced by anything that I say. I don't think they are compromising that they say something else about anything else. Quite consistent.

USA Today Sports experts make predictions in front of series games 1:

Timberwolves vs. Thunder -series -series winner

Jeff Zillgitt: Donner in seven
Lorenzo Reyes: Donner in six
Heather Tucker: Donner in six
James Williams: Donner in Six
Jordan Mendoza: Timberwolves in six
Scooby Axson: Donner in Six
Cydney Henderson: Donner in Seven

Timberwolves against Thunder Game 1 winner

Jeff Zillgitt: Oklahoma City Thunder
Lorenzo Reyes: Oklahoma City Thunder
Heather Tucker: Oklahoma City Donner
James Williams: Oklahoma City Thunder
Scooby Axson: Oklahoma City Thunder
Cydney Henderson: Oklahoma City Thunder

Timberwolves against thunder

Quotas via BetMGM on Monday, May 19th

Game 1 chances

Line: Donner – 7.5
Money line: Donner -325, Timberwolves +260
About/below: 215.5

Opportunities to win the final of the Western Conference

Oklahoma City Thunder -350
Minnesota Timberwolves +280

Contribution: Jeff Zillgitt