The Oklahoma City Thunder will visit the Minnesota Timberwolves for a pivotal road matchup scheduled for 8:30 p.m. CST on Sunday. This marks the third meeting between the two teams this season, with each squad having secured one victory in the head-to-head series.
Game Overview
- Date: Sunday, February 23
- Time: 8:30 p.m. CST
- Location: Target Center, Minneapolis
- Broadcast: FanDuel Sports Network | ESPN
Recent Performances
Oklahoma City Thunder (45-10)
The Thunder are coming off a dominant 130-107 victory against the Utah Jazz on Friday, extending their impressive season record. OKC aims to gain an edge in the regular-season series against the Timberwolves after splitting the first two matchups.
Minnesota Timberwolves (31-26)
Minnesota fell to the Houston Rockets 121-115 in a closely contested game Friday night. The Timberwolves are navigating a challenging schedule with back-to-back games against OKC, starting Sunday at home and continuing Monday.
Prediction and Expert Picks
Justin Martinez’s Prediction:
- Final Score: Oklahoma City Thunder 115, Minnesota Timberwolves 108
Despite falling to Minnesota 116-101 on February 13, the Thunder played that game as the second night of a back-to-back just before the All-Star break. With OKC now well-rested and at full strength, and the Timberwolves missing key frontcourt players, expect the Thunder to exact revenge and secure a road win.
Betting Odds and Lines (via BetMGM as of Feb. 23)
- Spread: Thunder favored by 8.5 points
- Over/Under Total: 227.5 points
- Moneyline:
- Oklahoma City: -375
- Minnesota: +300
Injury Reports
Oklahoma City Thunder:
- Ajay Mitchell: Out (Right great toe surgery)
- Nikola Topic: Out (Left knee surgery)
Minnesota Timberwolves:
- Donte DiVincenzo: Out (Left great toe sprain)
- Rudy Gobert: Out (Low back spasms)
- Julius Randle: Out (Right groin strain)
Projected Starting Lineups
Oklahoma City Thunder:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 32.2 PPG | 5.1 RPG | 6.1 APG
- Lu Dort: 9.9 PPG | 4.2 RPG | 1.6 APG
- Jalen Williams: 20.9 PPG | 5.5 RPG | 5.1 APG
- Chet Holmgren: 15.1 PPG | 8.4 RPG | 2.9 BPG
- Isaiah Hartenstein: 11.1 PPG | 12 RPG | 3.9 APG
Minnesota Timberwolves:
- Mike Conley: 8.2 PPG | 2.7 RPG | 4.6 APG
- Anthony Edwards: 27.6 PPG | 5.8 RPG | 4.5 APG
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker: 8.9 PPG | 3.1 RPG | 2.5 APG
- Jaden McDaniels: 11.6 PPG | 5.6 RPG | 1.4 SPG
- Naz Reid: 14.6 PPG | 5.7 RPG | 2.1 APG
How to Watch
Catch the action live at 8:30 p.m. CST on FanDuel Sports Network and ESPN.
Conclusion
The Oklahoma City Thunder enter this contest in peak form and fully rested, looking to break the season tie with Minnesota. With the Timberwolves missing key starters like Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle, the Thunder hold a significant advantage. Expect Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his supporting cast to capitalize on Minnesota’s depleted frontcourt in what should be an exciting Western Conference clash.
Fans and bettors alike can anticipate a competitive matchup, with OKC poised to cover the spread and keep their winning momentum alive.