Thunder Advance to Western Conference Finals Against Timberwolves

The 2025 NBA Western Conference Finals will feature the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder facing off against the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves, with Game 1 scheduled for May 20 in Oklahoma City. The Thunder, who finished the regular season with a historic 68-14 record and a dominant point differential, are heavy favorites to win the series and advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012, with odds around -330 to -265 depending on the source. Minnesota, coming off strong postseason performances and a 17-4 run to end the regular season, has a balanced roster led by Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, and split their regular-season meetings with the Thunder 2-2, including an overtime win in their most recent matchup. Both teams boast exciting young stars, notably Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the Thunder, who averaged 35 points against Minnesota in the regular season, making the series a highly anticipated showdown. The series schedule includes potential seven games, with Oklahoma City holding home-court advantage and hosting Games 1, 2, 5, and 7, while Minnesota will host Games 3, 4, and 6. Despite the Thunder's favored status, the teams are considered evenly matched and the series is expected to be competitive and possibly extend to seven games.