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Thunder and Timberwolves Set to Clash in Western Conference Game 1

Oklahoma City hosts Minnesota tonight as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards lead their teams in pursuit of an NBA Finals berth.

MVP favorite Shai-Gilgeous Alexander and the Thunder are heavily favored -- both in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals and in the series -- against the Anthony Edwards-led Timberwolves.
Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives to the basket against Alex Caruso #9 and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first quarter at Target Center on February 23, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) works to keep the ball inbounds as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) defends during a game at Paycom Center on Feb. 24, 2025.
Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves enter the Western Conference Finals as heavy underdogs vs. the Thunder. Minnesota vs. OKC tips off on Tuesday night at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Overview

  • Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals tips off tonight at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, with both teams fully prepared for the series opener.
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards, both MVP candidates, headline the matchup as their teams vie for their first-ever NBA championship.
  • The Thunder enter Game 1 after a grueling seven-game series against Denver, while the Timberwolves arrive well-rested following back-to-back 4-1 series victories over the Lakers and Warriors.
  • Minnesota holds a clean injury report, while Oklahoma City will be without rookie Nikola Topic, sidelined by a partial ACL tear.
  • Both teams split their regular-season series 2-2, highlighting the competitive balance and setting the stage for a tightly contested playoff battle.