Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tears up in MVP speech
NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s acceptance speech turns emotional as pay tribute to his wife
The Oklahoma City Thunder are one win away from the NBA Finals and they’ll get the first of three potential chances to secure their spot at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.
The Timberwolves return to Paycom Center in Oklahoma City for Game 5 of the 2025 Western Conference finals after a 128-126 loss to the Thunder on Monday left them in a 3-1 series hold. Spurred by the trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, who combined to score 95 points in Game 5, the Thunder are in position to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012.
Minnesota is seeking its first NBA championship and will need a bounce-back performance from star Anthony Edwards, who was limited to 16 points and just 13 shot attempts in Game 4. A team has recovered to win a conference finals series after being down 3-1 just three times in NBA history, with the most recent occurrence in 2016 when the Golden State Warriors overcame a 3-1 series deficit against the Thunder. Oddsmakers don’t believe this series will become the fourth instance.
Here’s a look at the latest predictions, picks and odds ahead of Game 5 of the NBA’s Western Conference finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves
Thunder vs. Timberwolves predictions: Game 5 picks for NBA playoffs Western Conference finals
The Oklahoman: Thunder 117, Timberwolves 106
“Minnesota will surely play with desperation in a must-win game. But OKC has shown that its defense can wear down Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle. And after struggling in Game 3, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams returned to lighting up the scoreboard in Game 4. The Thunder has momentum on its side, and now it’ll also have the crowd on its side.”
Sportsbook Wire: Timberwolves cover
“In an elimination game, we should get the best from the Timberwolves, as they look to keep their season alive. It’s not expected that Minnesota will go down to OKC and win, but it should be able to keep things somewhat close, and certainly within single digits. Minnesota has covered each of the past 2 outings, including a blowout win in Game 3, after going 0-2 ATS in the first 2 games of the series.”
Sporting News: Thunder 113, Timberwolves 107
“Oklahoma City has gone 7-1 with a plus-191 scoring differential at home this postseason. … Game 3 was a wake-up call for these Thunder. It proved that they cannot rest on their laurels or take their greatness for granted. Championships — both in the Finals and the semis — require consistently hard work and attention to detail. OKC responded to adversity perfectly in Game 4 and should handle business once again in Game 5.”
The Athletic: Every expert picks Thunder
All seven writers at The Athletic picked the Oklahoma City Thunder to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals on Wednesday and advance to the 2025 NBA Finals. “Expect OKC to once again go small down the stretch,” Steven Louis Goldstein writes. “Cason Wallace has the rotation’s best offensive rating in the series, and Alex Caruso has been indispensable on defense. SGA’s heavy usage is inevitable, but (Jalen) Williams has frequently looked like a world-beater on both ends. … For Minnesota to extend the proceedings and force a Game 6, Chris Finch and company must hope for fewer turnovers.”
Action Network: Thunder cover
“This is a close game that goes down to the wire, with Oklahoma City understanding the chance to end the series effectively, and Minnesota knowing this is likely their last stand.”
Warriors vs. Timberwolves Game 2 odds
The Oklahoma City Thunder are favored to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 at Paycom Center and win their Western Conference finals series, according to BetMGM (odds as of 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday, May 28):
- Spread: Thunder (-8.5)
- Moneyline: Thunder (-350); Timberwolves (+275)
- Over/under: 220.5
Warriors vs. Timberwolves series odds
The Oklahoma City Thunder are the favorite to advance in their Western Conference finals series over the Minnesota Timberwolves after taking a 3-1 series lead heading into Game 5.
- Series winner: Thunder (-10,000); Timberwolves (+2000)
Watch Thunder-Timberwolves Game 5 with Fubo
Thunder vs. Timberwolves: NBA playoffs schedule, time, TV channel, live streaming
The Western Conference finals between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder continues with Game 5 on Wednesday, May 28 at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN and can be streamed via Fubo.
Here’s the updated schedule for Thunder vs. Timberwolves. All times listed are Eastern.
Thunder lead series, 3-1
- Game 1: Thunder 114, Timberwolves 88
- Game 2: Thunder 118, Timberwolves 103
- Game 3: Timberwolves 143, Thunder 101
- Game 4: Thunder 128, Timberwolves 126
- Game 5, May 28: Timberwolves at Thunder | ESPN, Fubo | 8:30 p.m.
- Game 6, May 30: Thunder at Timberwolves | ESPN, Fubo | 8:30 p.m.*
- Game 7, June 1: Timberwolves at Thunder | ESPN, Fubo | 8 p.m.*
*if necessary
