Timberwolves vs. Thunder Game 5 Preview & Best Bets (May 28, 2025)
The Thunder are only one win away from their first trip to the NBA Finals in over 10 years. They held off Minnesota in an insane finish in Game 4, and now they’re up 3–1, are on home court, and the Wolves HAVE to win Game 5 or it’s over for Minnesota.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a ridiculous night with 40 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists. Jalen Williams? Also ridiculous with 34 points. OKC shot 54% from the field and made big plays in the fourth, but they also gave up 60 points in the paint, and the Wolves had hope until the final seconds.
Minnesota’s bench gave them life, but the turnovers (23 of them) and second-chance points they let happen were brutal. If they’re going to send this back to Minneapolis? The Wolves need more control, way less mistakes, and a huge night from Edwards, who had 29 last game but couldn’t finish at the rim.
The Thunder can close it out in front of a packed home crowd. The Wolves have no room for error. Read on to see the numbers, the matchups we have our eyes on, and the best bets for Game 5!
Game Details
- Matchup: Minnesota Timberwolves (#6) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (#1)
- Series Status: OKC leads 3-1
- Date & Time: Wednesday, May 28, at 8:30 pm ET
- Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
- Broadcast: ESPN
- Streaming Options: Available on ESPN via streaming services like Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, and FuboTV
Prediction Breakdown
33.2%
66.8%
According to GamblingSite.com
Injury Report
The Wolves and OKC have their main rotations intact. Minnesota has a healthy roster, and the Thunder are still missing rookie guard Nikola Topić.
- Minnesota Timberwolves: No reported injuries as of now.
- Oklahoma City Thunder: Nikola Topić (G) – Out for the season with a torn ACL.
Series Recap: Momentum Shifts
All four games have been really different! It’s been back and forth between the teams—look below for how each game went and how we got here:
- Game 1: Oklahoma City jumped out to a double-digit lead in the first quarter and never looked back. They held Anthony Edwards to only 18 points on 5-of-17 shooting and won 114–88 behind 29 from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a +14 rebounding margin.
- Game 2: The Thunder pushed the pace again, this time getting 27 from Jalen Williams and another solid night from SGA. Minnesota couldn’t keep up defensively, and despite Edwards getting 33, the Wolves lost 118–103.
- Game 3: Back in Minneapolis, the Wolves got it together. They scored 143 points—the most by any team this postseason—and shot 56% from the field. Edwards had 30, Randle added 24, and the bench poured in 45. OKC never got within 15 after halftime.
- Game 4: Easily the closest game of the series. SGA went for 40-10-9, Jalen Williams scored 34, and the Thunder made enough plays to hold off a fourth-quarter Wolves push. Minnesota had 23 turnovers, gave up 19 offensive boards, and almost stole it, but lost 128–126.
Players to Watch
This series has basically been all about a handful of players, and these are the ones who’ll have the most say in what happens next!
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder): SGA has scored 30+ in three of the four games so far, including 40 in Game 4. He’s been efficient, controlled the offense in the half court, and keeps getting to the line more than anyone on the court.
- Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves): Edwards is averaging 27.6 points in the postseason. He had 29 in Game 4 and has carried most of the scoring load for Minnesota. If they’re going to extend the series, he’ll need another big night from Edwards, and he needs help from his teammates.
- Julius Randle (Timberwolves): Randle had 24 in Game 3 but wasn’t as involved offensively during Game 4. But when he gets early touches and stays active in the paint? The Wolves play better basketball.
Betting Odds & Insights
Wanna throw some money on Game 5? Here are the current odds and lines via DraftKings:
- Spread: Thunder -8.5
- Total Points (O/U): 220.5
- Moneyline: Thunder -340 | Timberwolves +270
Best Bets for Game 5
Game 4 was the most exciting one yet, and the Thunder are back in OKC and Minnesota, trying to force a Game 6? We’ll probably see another high-scoring night. Below is what we think looks playable!
- Thunder -8.5 (-108) – Oklahoma City has covered in four of their last five at home. They were in control for the majority of Game 4 and looked super disciplined on both ends. If they bring the same effort? They are in a really good spot to cover this number.
- Over 220.5 Points (-110) – Game 4 hit 254, and both teams have been shooting well. Unless something goes wonky, the over is definitely in play again.
- Player Prop: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 31.5 Points (-115) – SGA finished with 40 in Game 4 and has cleared this line in three of four games this series. He’s been accurate, aggressive, and the offense keeps running through him in every important possession.
Can the Timberwolves Survive? Our Final Take
Final Score Prediction: Thunder 118, Timberwolves 108
Oklahoma City has the advantage going into Game 5. They’ve been consistent at home, they’ve won the rebounding battle in three of the four games, and SGA has proven to be a weapon with steady scoring and solid decision-making—he doesn’t waste possessions and picks his spots really well.
Minnesota still has a chance to push this to a Game 6, but they’ll need way fewer turnovers, better shot selection, and a lot more impact from their frontcourt to get it done. Their bench did Yeoman’s work to keep the score close in Game 4, but they cannot afford to have another night where they give up 20 offensive rebounds.
Scoring has ramped up, and unless the pace slows down dramatically, the Over is a good option. As for the spread? If OKC limits second-chance looks and gets another strong night from Jalen Williams, they’re in a nice position to get the job done.
Check back soon! We aren’t done with the playoffs yet, and we’ll keep bringing you the best bets for the games.
