OKC looks to split homestand with win over Timberwolves

The Thunder will try and bounce back from Wednesday night’s 107-100 loss Indiana when they face Minnesota for the first time this season.

The Oklahoma City Thunder will look to split a two-game homestand on Friday night when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves inside Chesapeake Energy Arena.

The last time out, OKC dropped a 107-100 loss to the Indiana Pacers. Steven Adams led the Thunder in the game with 20 points. Three other players were in double-figures.

Adams has gotten off to a hot start in each of the Thunder’s last three games. He’s scored a combined 28 first-quarter points in two wins over the Pelicans and Wednesday night’s loss to Indiana. Against the Pacers, Adams scored 10 of his 20 in the first quarter, finishing the night 8-8 from the floor and 4-4 from the free-throw line.

According to ESPN, Billy Donovan thinks Adams is looking closer to 100% after missing time earlier this season with a knee injury.

“I think he looks more athletic,” Donovan said. “He looks more lively, he looks more springy, he’s running better. I think everything for him looks a lot better.”

That will be particularly important against Minnesota as Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging a career-high 25.9 points to go along with 12.3 rebounds per game.

Although they’ve lost two in a row and six of their last nine, Minnesota has played well on the road this season.

The Timberwolves are 7-3 away from home but are coming off a 121-114 loss at Dallas.

Tip-off Friday night is at 7 p.m. CT.