The Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves meet for the third time this 2025-26 NBA season.

Catch the game tomorrow, January 30th, 10:30 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Oklahoma City Thunder (38-10, 17-5 ROAD)

Projected starting five:

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
  • Lu Dort
  • Ajay Mitchell
  • Chet Holmgren
  • Isaiah Hartenstein

The defending NBA champions arrive in Minneapolis searching for rhythm, sitting at 3-3 over their last six games. Injuries have disrupted what is usually a well-oiled machine, most notably with Jalen Williams sidelined for at least another week due to a thigh issue. That instability has made OKC’s flow look choppy at times, even if the results haven’t fully cratered.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been forced to carry an even heavier load, and he’s done so like an MVP should. The reigning winner continues to pour in 30-plus points with elite efficiency while holding his own defensively, keeping the Thunder afloat on nights when rotations are patched together. Oklahoma City is 1-1 against Minnesota this season, and those games have been every bit as intense as advertised.

Statistically, OKC remains terrifying. They are first in scoring, points allowed, and defensive rating – a ridiculous trifecta. The concern isn’t talent, but cohesion. Until the lineup stabilizes, these Thunder-Wolves matchups remain must-watch chaos, where execution matters just as much as firepower.

HOME: Minnesota Timberwolves Preview (29-19, 16-8 HOME)

Projected starting five:

  • Anthony Edwards
  • Donte DiVincenzo
  • Jaden McDaniels
  • Julius Randle
  • Rudy Gobert

Minnesota comes in with renewed life, winning two straight after a bruising five-game skid. Few matchups seem to flip a switch for the Wolves quite like OKC, and Anthony Edwards in particular appears to relish these moments. His late bucket and pair of defensive stops sealed a 112-107 win over the Thunder back on December 20, a performance that still resonates.

That win also came despite rough shooting nights from key pieces. Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels combined to shoot 7-of-28 in that game, numbers that suggest room for serious bounce-back potential. Naz Reid, meanwhile, continues to be one of the league’s most impactful sixth men and consistently finds another gear when facing OKC.

Defense has been Minnesota’s calling card all season, ranking top five despite recent slippage. Regaining that edge is a priority here. Against the defending champs, injuries or not, this is a measuring-stick game, one that could reignite the Wolves’ confidence if they rise to the moment.

PICKS

Spread: Timberwolves (+6)

Over/Under: Under (225)