The Oklahoma City Thunder are up 1-0 in the series after dismantling Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1. Will it be the same story in Game 2? Or, will the Timberwolves level the series up before hosting Game 3 and Game 4?
Catch this game live on Friday, May 23, 2025 at 8:30 AM, Manila time.
Away: Minnesota Timberwolves (0-1)
Projected Starting Five:
- Mike Conley
- Anthony Edwards
- Jaden McDaniels
- Julius Randle
- Rudy Gobert
The Timberwolves put up a fight in the first two quarters of Game 1 then simply disintegrated in the second half, with the Thunder pulling away for a 114-88 win for the home team. Anthony Edwards was ineffective when the Timberwolves needed him the most. Edwards finished the game with 18 points and only had five after halftime.
That’s just not enough to overcome a challenge like the Thunder, so there’s pressure for Edwards to bounce back with a much more productive performance. But the supporting cast also has to answer the call. Julius Randle did that in the series opener, as he amassed 28 points on 9-for-13 shooting, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels and Mike Conley combined for just 16 points. Regardless of whether it’s next to impossible or not, the Timberwolves need to avoid getting baited for fouls on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who went 11-for-14 from the free throw line in Game 1.
Home: Oklahoma City Thunder (1-0)
Projected Starting Five:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Luguentz Dort
- Jalen Williams
- Chet Holmgren
- Isaiah Hartenstein
Despite a slow start in Game 1 and with Gilgeous-Alexander shooting only 10-for-27 from the floor, Oklahoma City found a way not just to beat Minnesota but crush it. A second-half salvo from OKC was too much for the Timberwolves, who felt the stout defense of the Thunder. Minnesota was held to only 34.9 percent from the floor and forced to commit 17 turnovers.
That’s not a fluke by the Thunder’ defense. They have been doing that all season long. Oklahoma City was tops in the league with a 106.6 defensive rating. That is still the case in the postseason, where the Thunder are No. 1 as well with just 100.7 points allowed per 100 possessions. Another great sign for Oklahoma City was the performance of the frontcourt tandem of Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren, as the two combined for 27 points and 12 rebounds while neutralizing the impact of Gobert in the game.
Picks
Spread: Oklahoma City Thunder (-7.5)
Over/Under: Over (215.0)
