Thunder vs. Timberwolves – Game 3 Preview
Saturday, 8:30 p.m. ET • Target Center, Minneapolis
Our Pick: Thunder -3

Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Western Conference Finals takes place tonight at the Target Center in Minneapolis, with the Oklahoma City Thunder holding a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Oklahoma City, favored by 3 points on the road, is positioned strongly to cover the spread due to their outstanding performances in the initial matchups.

Leading the Thunder’s charge has been Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose stellar play earned him the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award. In Game 2, Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 38 points, adding 8 assists and 3 steals, decisively influencing the outcome with both scoring and playmaking. His ability to penetrate Minnesota’s defense and create scoring opportunities has consistently disrupted the Timberwolves’ defensive schemes.

Supporting Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams contributed significantly with 26 points and 10 rebounds, while center Chet Holmgren added another 22 points. The Thunder’s offense has been highly effective, combining sharp perimeter shooting with efficient inside scoring. Their offensive versatility and depth have proved difficult for the Timberwolves to counter, especially with Oklahoma City’s bench significantly outperforming Minnesota’s reserves.

Defensively, Oklahoma City has excelled at limiting Minnesota’s shooting efficiency, holding them to just 41.4% from the field in Game 2. Anthony Edwards, despite scoring 32 points, was notably ineffective from three-point range, making only 1 of 9 attempts. Julius Randle, another key offensive player for Minnesota, managed just 6 points, underscoring the struggles the Timberwolves have faced against the Thunder’s disciplined defensive rotations and aggressive perimeter coverage.

Heading into Game 3, the Timberwolves desperately need to recalibrate their offensive strategy, emphasizing ball movement and improving shot selection. Their home-court advantage could offer a crucial boost, but given Oklahoma City’s impressive 32-8 regular-season road record, overcoming the visitors will be a formidable task.

Considering their momentum, robust defensive identity, and offensive firepower, the Thunder appear well-equipped to continue their dominance and comfortably cover the -3 spread tonight, potentially pushing Minnesota to the brink of elimination.