Thunder, Timberwolves Start Western Conference Finals Game 1

The 2025 NBA Western Conference Finals feature the Minnesota Timberwolves facing off against the Oklahoma City Thunder, beginning with Game 1 at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The Thunder, favored to win the series and the NBA title, come off a grueling seven-game victory over the Denver Nuggets, while the Timberwolves have enjoyed a rest advantage after defeating the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers in five games each. Both teams split their four regular-season meetings, setting up a competitive series highlighted by star players Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards, with key contributions expected from Julius Randle and others. The Thunder boast a strong home record, while Minnesota has been solid on the road, and betting odds suggest the Thunder are likely to win in five games. Analysts anticipate close, low-scoring games with pivotal runs, and player prop bets highlight Randle's scoring surge and Holmgren's rebounding impact. The series starts May 20, with fans expecting intense matchups as both teams vie for their first NBA title in recent history.