Timberwolves @ Thunder: Western Conference Finals Game 1 Preview

Thunder Face Quick Turnaround as They Host Fresh Timberwolves

The Oklahoma City Thunder head into Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals on short rest after a decisive Game 7 win, while the Minnesota Timberwolves arrive in Oklahoma City well-rested. The series tips off Tuesday night.

Thunder Finish Series With Denver in Blowout Fashion

On Sunday, the Thunder defeated the Denver Nuggets 125-93 to close out their second-round matchup. It marked the end of a grueling series, giving Oklahoma City just two days to recover before facing Minnesota.

In contrast, the Timberwolves have not played since eliminating the Golden State Warriors in five games. Their last game was six days prior to Game 1 of the conference finals.

Rest Patterns Flip for OKC

Oklahoma City previously enjoyed long breaks between series, with a full week off before facing Memphis in Round 1 and nine days off before playing Denver. The team started strong in both series, blowing out Memphis by 51 in Game 1, though they lost their opening game against Denver.

Timberwolves Continue Strong Postseason Run

Minnesota had similar rest periods before its first two series, resulting in mixed Game 1 outcomes — a win over the Lakers and a loss to the Warriors. Despite those early results, the Timberwolves finished both series in five games and are now in the Western Conference Finals for the second straight year and just the third time in franchise history. They are still in pursuit of their first NBA Finals appearance.

Top Defensive Teams Collide

This series showcases two elite defensive units. The Thunder lead the postseason with a 101.6 defensive rating, while the Timberwolves are second at 106.8. Both squads excelled in regular-season defensive metrics and have maintained that intensity in the playoffs.

Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Edwards: Star Power on Display

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards headline the series. Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 29.0 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game and is widely considered a top MVP contender. Edwards brings averages of 26.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.9 assists.

Family Feud: Cousins Go Head-to-Head

Adding a personal layer to the matchup is the face-off between Gilgeous-Alexander and his cousin Nickeil Alexander-Walker of the Timberwolves. The two grew up together in Toronto and were teammates at Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Tennessee.

“It’ll be very fun,” said Gilgeous-Alexander. “He’s literally like my second brother… but I am trying to take his head off for sure.”

Alexander-Walker once held Gilgeous-Alexander to 5-of-19 shooting in a 2023 play-in game. He credits his cousin’s rise to elite status to his relentless discipline.

Regular Season Matchup Evenly Split

The teams split their regular season series 2-2, including one win apiece in Oklahoma City. However, both squads were missing key players in those matchups, with Rudy Gobert playing just one game and Chet Holmgren appearing in two.

“Apples to apples, I don’t know if those games are the perfect framework through which to look at the series,” said Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault. “It’ll be different.”