OKLAHOMA CITY, OK. (WE) — The stage is set for Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Western Conference Finals as the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder look to build on their dominant Game 1 win over the No. 6 seed Minnesota Timberwolves. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT on Thursday, May 22, at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, with national broadcast coverage on ESPN.
Thunder’s Defensive Edge
The Thunder are off to a strong start in the best-of-seven series, cruising to a 114-88 win in Game 1. Oklahoma City has relied heavily on its elite defense, which currently ranks first among all 16 playoff teams with a defensive rating of 100.7. Head coach Mark Daigneault has instilled a defensive mindset that’s translated to incredible postseason efficiency.
They also lead the playoffs in opponent field goal percentage (40.7%), opponent three-point percentage (31%), steals per game (10.8), turnovers forced per game (18.3), and points off turnovers per game (25.3). That smothering pressure was evident in Game 1 as the Thunder forced 17 turnovers from Minnesota and converted them into 29 points.
Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 31 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and three steals. His ability to control tempo while playing both ends of the court makes him the key to Oklahoma City’s title push.
Second-year forward Jalen Williams added 19 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and five steals in Game 1. His versatility on the wing is proving essential, especially in complementing the interior presence of Chet Holmgren, who has been a defensive anchor in the paint.
Timberwolves Looking to Respond
For the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Game 1 loss was a wake-up call. This squad—led by rising superstar Anthony Edwards—will need to regroup quickly.
Edwards, who averaged 25.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in the postseason, struggled to get clean looks in the opener but still managed 18 points and nine boards. With more spacing and better ball movement, the Wolves will expect him to bounce back in Game 2.
Power forward Julius Randle, acquired midseason to boost Minnesota’s frontcourt offense, put up 28 points and eight rebounds in Game 1. Randle is averaging 24.3 points and 6.1 rebounds per game during the playoffs and will continue to be a focal point in half-court sets.
Head coach Chris Finch will need more production from the supporting cast. Mike Conley, Jaden McDaniels, and Rudy Gobert must find ways to combat OKC’s defensive traps and help create open shots.
Game 2 Betting Odds and Picks
According to BetMGM, as of Wednesday, May 21, the Thunder are 7.5-point favorites with a total over/under set at 214.5. The moneyline odds sit at OKC -300 and Minnesota +240.
Renowned SportsLine betting analyst Matt Severance has continued his impressive NBA playoff betting run, going 161-89-1 on money-line picks, returning over 32 units. For Game 2, he leans towards the Under and likes the Thunder to cover the spread. According to Severance, the Thunder’s elite defense and home-court advantage give them a significant edge.
Read More:
- Knicks vs. Pacers Game 1: A Classic Clash of Styles Kicks Off the Eastern Conference Finals
- Oklahoma City Thunder Dominate Game 7, Advance to Western Conference Finals
- Mike Conley Jr. Leads Timberwolves to Back-to-Back Western Conference Finals
Expert Score Prediction
Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman has predicted an OKC win, 117-109. His confidence in the Thunder stems from their balanced offensive attack and defensive intensity. Martinez highlights Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to deliver clutch buckets and notes that OKC’s pressure defense will likely continue to cause issues for Minnesota.
Thunder Key Players to Watch
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 29.2 PPG, 6.6 APG, 5.8 RPG, 1.6 SPG
- Jalen Williams: 19.6 PPG, 5.7 APG, 5.6 RPG, 1.8 SPG
- Chet Holmgren: 15.7 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 2.2 BPG
- Lu Dort: Known for his perimeter defense; adds 7.8 points and 3.3 rebounds per game
- Isaiah Hartenstein: 10.4 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 2.6 APG; brings hustle and interior toughness
Timberwolves Key Players to Watch
- Anthony Edwards: 25.7 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 5.6 APG, 1.4 SPG
- Julius Randle: 24.3 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 5.5 APG
- Mike Conley: Veteran floor general, 6.8 PPG, 3.7 APG
- Jaden McDaniels: 14.6 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 1.4 SPG
- Rudy Gobert: Defensive stalwart, 9 RPG, 1.3 BPG
Injury Report
- Thunder: Nikola Topić is out due to left knee surgery.
- Timberwolves: No injuries reported.
X-Factors and Matchups to Watch
One of the critical X-factors for the Thunder is Lu Dort, whose ability to contain opposing guards makes him a game-changer. Expect Dort to spend extended time hounding Edwards and trying to disrupt Minnesota’s offensive rhythm.
For Minnesota, Randle’s physicality and mid-range scoring ability could challenge Holmgren, who is more agile but still relatively slender. If Randle gets Holmgren into foul trouble early, it could open up driving lanes for Edwards and Conley.
Another matchup to watch is between the benches. OKC has gotten timely production from Cason Wallace and Aaron Wiggins, while Minnesota will lean on Naz Reid and Kyle Anderson for second-unit scoring and stability.
How to Watch The Game?
Game 2 of the Thunder vs. Timberwolves Western Conference Finals series will be broadcast on ESPN and can also be streamed on ESPN+. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT / 8:30 p.m. ET.
Final Thoughts
The Oklahoma City Thunder are riding high after a commanding Game 1 win and will look to double down on that momentum with another strong performance at home. For the Minnesota Timberwolves, it’s a critical opportunity to steal a road win and shift the series dynamics heading back to Minneapolis.
If Edwards and Randle can elevate their games while the Timberwolves contain OKC’s transition attack, Minnesota has a shot. But if the Thunder’s defense continues its playoff dominance, they may head to Game 3 with a 2-0 series advantage.
Stay tuned to NBA.com for all updates and coverage of the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
