The Oklahoma City Thunder will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center Wednesday in the season opener for both teams. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Thunder vs. Timberwolves odds, and our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Thunder enter the season amid a rebuild with an extremely young roster. Oklahoma City posted a 24-58 record last season and there aren’t lofty expectations this season for a team that is focused on building its roster through the draft.
The Timberwolves have heightened expectations this season with the acquisition of C Rudy Gobert in a trade with the Utah Jazz, especially after going 46-36 a season ago. Minnesota is also expecting SG Anthony Edwards to make major strides as he enters his 3rd season in the NBA.
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Thunder at Timberwolves odds
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:07 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Thunder +410 (bet $100 to win $410) | Timberwolves -600 (bet $600 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Thunder +9.5 (-108) | Timberwolves -9.5 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 226.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Thunder at Timberwolves key injuries
Thunder
- C Chet Holmgren (foot) out
Timberwolves
- PF Eric Paschall (ankle) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Thunder at Timberwolves picks and predictions
Prediction
Timberwolves 115, Thunder 102
Moneyline
Just AVOID the moneyline in this game with Minnesota being heavy favorites at home. While the Timberwolves should be able to secure a win to begin the season, taking them straight up at their current odds isn’t advised.
Against the spread
Oklahoma City was the 2nd-best team ATS last season with a 48-30-4 record ATS. Despite the Thunder’s success ATS a season ago, TIMBERWOLVES -9.5 (-112) is where I’m going in this game.
The addition of Gobert should prove to be valuable in the regular season and Minnesota has won by 30-plus points in each of the last 3 meetings with Oklahoma City.
Over/Under
The UNDER 226.5 (-112) is the move in this game with Minnesota likely slowing the game down a bit with Gobert now manning the center position. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City doesn’t have many scorers capable of putting up points consistently.
The Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings between the teams when the game takes place in Minnesota.
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