The Western Conference Finals have been a thrilling battle, and game five between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder promises more high-stakes action. With the series 3 - 1 in favor of the Thunder, each team is playing for different motives. They head into this pivotal matchup on May 28, 2025, at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City with one team looking to stay alive and the other looking to claim Western Conference Champions. Here’s a breakdown of the storylines, odds, betting picks, viewing details, injury reports, starting lineups, and how to bet on this game with a lucrative sportsbook bonus.

 

 

 

Minnesota Timberwolves: Down… But Not Out!

The Timberwolves are in a familiar situation, down 1 - 3 in the Western Conference Finals. They are led by Anthony Edwards, who had his most disappointing game of the playoffs just two days ago. He finished game four with 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 14 points, with only 5 of 13 field goal attempts going in the basket. He claimed he didn’t get enough opportunities to score, which led to low production. Regardless, Minnesota lost 128 - 126, and he had the opportunity to help his team win this match by making just one more field goal.

Julius Randle is not spared from the criticism as he has two bad games in this series, and the Timberwolves lost both of those games. In such a pivotal game win, which Minnesota lost by only two points, Randle earned 5 points with one successful field goal on seven attempts… One made basket is not acceptable for the second-best player of a team in the Western Conference Finals. He has two games with a combined 11 points, and the team is not good enough to overcome him not scoring.

Minnesota must show some willpower to avoid losing their second consecutive Western Conference finals 4 - 1. 

 

 

 

Oklahoma City Thunder: Capitalizing on Home Court Advantage

The Thunder, the number one seed, with a franchise-record 68 wins, have lived up to their billing as title favorites, driven by league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s clutch performances. Gilgeous Alexander’s 40-point outburst in game four sealed the win, and 29.2 points per game in the playoffs highlight his ability to dominate against Minnesota’s stout defense.

Oklahoma City’s depth, with contributions from Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, has been a difference-maker. The Thunder’s elite defense, led by Luguentz Dort and Alex Caruso, aims to smother Edwards and force Minnesota into mistakes. Coming off a hard-fought game four win, Oklahoma City looks to harness the energy of their home crowd in order to move on to their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012.

 

 

 

Timberwolves vs. Thunder Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, here are the latest odds:

  • Spread: Thunder -8.5 (-108) | Timberwolves +8.5 (-112)
  • Moneyline: Thunder -340 | Timberwolves +270
  • Total: Over/Under 220.5 (-112 O, -108 U)

The Thunder have a massive spread of -8.5 on their home court, and close-out games usually go one of two ways. Major blowouts or unexpected underdog wins. Oklahoma City is 42 - 7 at the Paycom Center, including the postseason, and is are heavy favorite to close it out tonight. The total has climbed to 220.5, which was the same projected total in game four of the Knicks vs Pacers match. Which is a little bizarre given that three of the four games have been over 220.5 points. Look for the under as a sneaky public fade.

 

 

 

Timberwolves vs. Thunder Player Prop Pick: Anthony Edwards Over 26.5 Points (-125 on DraftKings Sportsbook)

For game five, a strong betting pick is Anthony Edwards over 26.5 assists (-125 on DraftKings Sportsbook). Edwards was vocal about how he believed he didn’t attempt enough field goals in game four, which should lead to more field goal attempts tonight. Edwards made just 5 of 13 field goal attempts, which led to a series low 16 points, and could have helped his team in a two-point loss.

Expect Edwards to come out attempting several field goals early and to keep attempting them throughout the game. If the Timberwolves lose, they are going down losing with their best player giving it everything he has offensively. He has scored over 26.5 points in two games of this series, and will attempt threes, mid-range jumpers, dunks, and get to the foul line. Put a unit on this wager at DraftKings Sportsbooks, and for those new to the app, make sure to take advantage of the promotional offer at the end of this article.

 

 

 

How To Watch Timberwolves vs. Thunder on ESPN Today

Game five tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET today, Tuesday, May 28, 2025, at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN. Fans can also stream the action via the ESPN app or NBA League Pass for live updates and highlights. Check your local listings or the NBA’s official website for additional streaming options.

Timberwolves vs. Thunder Injury Report & Starting Lineup

Injury Report

  • Thunder: No significant injuries reported.
  • Timberwolves: No significant injuries reported.

Both teams are relatively healthy heading into game five, allowing their coaches to deploy their preferred rotations without major adjustments.

Projected Starting Lineups

Lineups are subject to change based on coaching decisions, but these have been consistent throughout the playoffs.

 

 

 

How To Bet On Timberwolves vs. Thunder at DraftKings Sportsbook & Claim Your $200 Bonus

To bet on Timberwolves vs. Thunder and claim a $200 bonus at DraftKings Sportsbook, follow these steps:

  • Sign Up: Visit DraftKings Sportsbook via their website or mobile app (available on iOS and Android).
  • Register: Create a new account if you’re a first-time user. No promo code is required for the welcome offer.
  • Place a Bet: Wager at least $5 on any Timberwolves vs. Thunder game five market (e.g., spread, moneyline, or player props like Edwards’ rebounds + assists).
  • Claim Bonus: Once your bet is placed, DraftKings will credit your account with eight $25 bonus bets (totaling $200), win or lose. These bonus bets typically expire within seven days, so check the “Promos” section for details.

Always bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Additional promotions, such as odds boosts or same-game parlay insurance, may be available in DraftKings’ “Promos” section.

This game five showdown is set to be a defining moment in the Western Conference Finals. With Minnesota’s defensive grit and Oklahoma City’s offensive firepower, expect a tightly contested battle. Back the Edwards prop bet for a high-probability play, and tune into ESPN to catch every moment of this playoff thriller.

 

Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy