The Minnesota Timberwolves will host the Oklahoma City Thunder for Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals on Monday night. The game is set for 8:30PM ET at the Target Center in Minneapolis. Oklahoma City leads the series 2-1.
Minnesota comes into this matchup with momentum after a dominant 143-101 win in Game 3. The Thunder had won the first two games of the series at home but now must respond on the road. This is a key game with the winner gaining control of the series.
Timberwolves Preview – Can the Momentum Carry Over at Home?
Minnesota shot 53% from the field and 41% from three in Game 3. Anthony Edwards led the way with 30 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. He is now averaging 26.7 points per game in the series. Julius Randle added 24 points and Jaden McDaniels had 10 points and 6 boards.
Rudy Gobert played a strong two-way game with 7 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block. The Timberwolves had 6 players score in double figures, including rookie Terrence Shannon Jr. with 15 points off the bench. Coach Chris Finch said Shannon will have a bigger role in Game 4.
Minnesota is 30-17 at home this year. They have hit the team total over in 25 of their last 33 home games. The Timberwolves also rank top 10 in defensive field goal percentage and are 6th in points allowed per game at 108.5.
Thunder Preview – Can They Bounce Back from Game 3 Blowout?
The Thunder had a rough night in Game 3, shooting just 39% from the field and giving up 143 points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored only 14 points after dropping 31 and 38 in the first two games. He still leads the series in scoring with 27.7 points per game.
Jalen Williams (19.3 ppg) and Chet Holmgren (15.7 ppg) continue to be the other scoring options for OKC. Holmgren had 10 points and 5 rebounds in Game 3, while Williams scored 13. The Thunder need better shot selection and tighter defense to avoid another slow start.
Oklahoma City has been one of the best betting teams in the league. They are 61-32-4 against the spread and 35-11 on the road. They have also hit the first half moneyline in 29 of their last 36 games. The Thunder average 119.4 points per game and rank top five in field goal percentage and three-point shooting.
Betting Prediction
The Thunder are listed as 3.5-point favorites with the total set at 218.5. Oklahoma City has covered in 59 of their last 97 games and is 67-15 on the moneyline over their last 82. Minnesota has covered the 4th quarter spread in 43 of their last 66 games and plays well at home.
This game will likely be closer than Game 3. Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to bounce back, and OKC’s road form has been strong all season. But Minnesota showed it can adjust, and the Timberwolves’ recent home form gives them a good shot to cover. Expect a tighter contest with Minnesota hanging around late.
Pick: Timberwolves +3.5
Take Minnesota in this game over Oklahoma City. If the Timberwolves can win this game, what a series it could be!
