Minnesota Timberwolves (30-25) vs Oklahoma City Thunder (44-9)
Game Info: Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 8:30 pm (Target Center)
Betting Odds: Minnesota Timberwolves +6 -- Over/Under: 222 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: TNT
The Oklahoma City Thunder (43-9) will face the Minnesota Timberwolves (30-24) on February 13, 2025, at the Target Center in Minneapolis. The Thunder, leading the Western Conference, are coming off a dominant 137-101 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points. Gilgeous-Alexander has been averaging 32.6 points per game this season.
The Timberwolves, currently seventh in the West, recently suffered a 128-107 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, ending a three-game winning streak. Anthony Edwards has been a consistent performer, averaging over 30 points per game since January. However, the team has been dealing with injuries to key players like Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo.
Given the Thunder's impressive form and the Timberwolves' injury challenges, Oklahoma City is favored in this matchup. The Timberwolves will need strong performances from their healthy players and effective defense to counter the Thunder's potent offense.
Rudy Gobert Over 11.5 Rebounds
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert has been a dominant force on the boards so far this season. Over 53 games, he is averaging 10.4 rebounds per game, ranking him 10th in the league. Gobert's rebounding prowess has been instrumental in the Timberwolves' success this season, providing both defensive stability and second-chance opportunities on offense.
Rudy Gobert has been a beast on the glass as of late securing 12 or more rebounds in eight of his last 10 games. I expect him to continue this impressive trend in this one going against the Oklahoma City Thunder who do almost everything at a high level but have been struggling on the rebounding side of things this season. The Thunder are giving up 54.6 rebounds per game to opposing teams which is the fourth most in the league.
Anthony Edwards Over 29.5 Points
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards is having a standout 2024-25 NBA season. He is averaging 27.5 points per game, ranking him fifth in the league. Edwards has demonstrated remarkable scoring consistency, with multiple high-scoring games this season. Notably, on January 4, he scored a career-high 53 points, tying his personal best with 10 three-pointers, in a 119–105 loss to the Detroit Pistons.
We've seen Anthony Edwards score 40 or more points in his last three games. To add onto that he has scored 30 or more in six of his last eight games. He’s doing it all for the Minnesota Timberwolves on the offensive side of the ball at the moment. I expect the Timberwolves to be down in most of this game going against this tough Thunder team which will force Anthony Edwards to be aggressive on the offensive side of the ball. If the Timberwolves want any chance of winning this game Anthony Edwards will need to have another big night scoring the ball.
Chet Holmgren Under 6.5 Rebounds
Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren was a significant contributor on the boards to start this season. He has only played in 10 games and is averaging 8.7 rebounds per game.
Since returning back from injury Chet Holmgren has secured less than seven rebounds in both of the games he has played in. With Hartenstein starting at center and Holmgen playing at the power forward position I expect Chet to be looked at as more of a scorer than a rebounder. Minnesota is only giving up 51 rebounds per game to opposing teams which is the 7th fewest in the league. Until Chet shows me something different or the odds makers adjust his line I will continue to take the under on his rebounds.
Brad’s Pick See Above
AUTHOR: Brad Francis
