The Oklahoma City Thunder (0-2) welcome the Minnesota Timberwolves (1-1) to Paycom Center Sunday. Tip is set for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Timberwolves vs. Thunder odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Thunder are coming into this game having lost 122-117 to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night. It was a hard-fought game with every quarter ending within a 5-point margin.
Oklahoma City will be playing the season without No. 2 overall pick C Chet Holmgren. Most of the scoring is on the shoulder of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is averaging 30 points per game this season.
Minnesota has playoff expectations behind rising superstar G Anthony Edwards and All-Star C Karl-Anthony Towns. Minnesota has scored 241 points in 2 games.
The Timberwolves lost to the Utah Jazz in overtime 132-126 Friday with KAT and Edwards combining for 57 points. Offseason trade acquisition C Rudy Gobert is averaging 19.5 points per game as well.
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Timberwolves at Thunder odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Timberwolves -400 (bet $400 to win $100) | Thunder +300 (bet $100 to win $300)
- Against the spread (ATS): Timberwolves +8.5 (-105) | Thunder -8.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 228.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Timberwolves at Thunder key injuries
Timberwolves
- F Kyle Anderson (back) out
Thunder
- Not submitted yet (no major injuries expected)
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Timberwolves at Thunder picks and predictions
Prediction
Timberwolves 118, Thunder 111
Moneyline
PASS.
There could be some value on the Thunder, but with largely the same key contributions as the roster last season which was 12-29 at home, I would pass and look toward the points for value.
Against the spread
BET THUNDER +8.5 (-115).
The Thunder were able to keep things close on the road in Denver which shows their size and ability to compete against a center like MVP Nikola Jokic.
Oklahoma City was 19-15-4 ATS as a home underdog last season, and it was 46-29-4 ATS as an underdog in general. An underdog in both games, the Thunder are 2-0 ATS just by keeping games close.
The Timberwolves have size and scoring, but it hasn’t defended well, allowing 120 points per game. Also, these teams kicked off the season against each other with the Thunder covering despite losing on the road.
Expect a close game, as OKC has played twice this season.
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 228.5 (-108).
The first game between these two ended at 223 with no one on the Wolves scoring more than 25.
Minnesota has 2 All-Star caliber players that will likely be more efficient in the 2nd meeting. Both teams are 1-1 O/U this season with that being their lone misfire.
They both sit in the top half of the league in pace with Minnesota No. 1. As long as SGA is healthy, the Thunder should be able to keep up offensively as well.
That said, back the Over 226.5 (-108).
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