In the blink of an eye, the NBA season has shifted into late January, with most teams having played 45-plus games.
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves meet for the third time this season on Thursday as both Northwest Division powerhouses are well acquainted.
So far, the regular-season series is split 1-1, with each team earning a home win. Last season, OKC eliminated Anthony Edwards and the Wolves in five games in the Western Conference Finals.
Thunder vs. Timberwolves odds, prediction
Edwards seems to never shy away from the moment, averaging 28.5 points, 10 rebounds, and four made threes against Oklahoma City this season. However, playing on the tail end of a back-to-back versus a division rival spells doom for Minnesota in this spot.
Minnesota is coming off a 25-point blowout win over Golden State, but the Warriors were without Stephen Curry and Draymond Green in that contest. Not to mention that victory came at the heels of a five-game losing slump for the Wolves, including a 26-point loss to the Warriors at full strength.
Despite key starters Jalen Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein missing time, the Thunder have covered in their last two road games. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains a steady source of offense, as the reigning MVP’s 32-point average rank second-best in the league.
Their starting lineup features versatile defenders, Lu Dort and Chet Holmgren, who contribute to a top-rated defense that allows an NBA-low 107.9 points per game.
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Mark Daigneault’s ability to get the most out of his rotations is impeccable, as role players Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, and Kenrich Williams each have responded well to increased minutes.
With the Thunder’s last game on Tuesday versus the Pelicans, they will come in with fresher legs and an extra day of rest. On the season, they are 8-5 against the spread (ATS) with a rest advantage.
This game will mark Minnesota’s fourth in five days, a brutal stretch.
I’m backing the Thunder and their stout defense to cover.
THE PLAY: Thunder -6 (-106, FanDuel)
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Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player prop bets for nearly three years. Mike is also highly knowledgeable about the sportsbook offer landscape, frequently trying and reviewing the latest apps and sites.
