Wolves vs. Thunder Game 5 Betting Odds, Best Bets: Can OKC Close Out WCF?
The Thunder are heavily favored in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals tonight in OKC, where they won Games 1 and 2 by a total of 41 points.
The Thunder are heavily favored in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals tonight in OKC, where they won Games 1 and 2 by a total of 41 points.
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Despite two strong performances at home in Games 3 and 4 of the Western Conference Finals, the Minnesota Timberwolves head to Oklahoma City on Wednesday night in a 3-1 hole that feels insurmountable.
The Wolves nearly evened the series on Monday night in Minneapolis, but they came up just short, losing Game 4 128-126 despite shooting 51.2 percent from the floor (43.9 percent from 3).
For the third time in four games in this series, Minnesota failed to take care of the basketball, as its 21 turnovers (plus the 19 offensive rebounds it allowed) were too much to overcome on a huge night by the Thunder's big three of MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (40 points, 9 rebounds, 10 assists), Jalen Williams (34 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists) and Chet Holmgren (21 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist).
To keep this series alive tonight, the Wolves will need another strong offensive performance, and they'll also have to come up with defensive answers for SGA and Williams, who are averaging just under 54 total points per game in this series.
Wolves vs. Thunder Game 5 Betting Odds
DK FD bet365 MIN spread +8.5 (-112) +8.5 (-114) +8.5 (-110) OKC spread -8.5 (-108) -8.5 (-106) -8.5 (-110) MIN ML +270 +280 +280 OKC ML -340 -350 -360 Total 220.5 (o-112; u-108) 220.5 (o-112; u-108) 220.5 (o-110; u-110)
How to Watch Timberwolves vs. Thunder Game 5
Tipoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
Channel: ESPN
Wolves vs. Thunder Series Winner Odds (as of May 28)
The Thunder entered the Western Conference Finals as massive favorites over the Timberwolves, and they've looked the part through four games.
At this point, Minnesota coming back from down 3-1 to win this series would mark one of the most shocking comebacks in NBA playoff history.
DraftKings : OKC -4000; MIN +1700
: OKC -4000; MIN +1700 FanDuel : OKC -7000; MIN +2000
: OKC -7000; MIN +2000 bet365: OKC -6600; MIN +1650
Wolves vs. Thunder Game 5 Pick, Analysis
The Wolves have played too well for us to rule out a solid showing by them tonight, but Game 4 looked like a backbreaker, as SGA and Williams had an answer for everything Minnesota threw at them.
Following a 128-126 shootout in Game 4 just two days ago, it's easy to envision tonight's game getting out of hand for OKC, which routed the banged up Nuggets 125-93 in Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
The Timberwolves supporting cast deserves a ton of credit for stepping up in Game 4 on a quiet night by Anthony Edwards, as Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Donte DiVincenzo and Jaden McDaniels combined for 66 points on 13-for-22 3-point shooting.
It's hard to see those three shooting the ball that well again in Game 5, though, and even if Edwards goes off, I don't see how Minnesota can keep up with the Thunder for four quarters, especially if OKC is once again able to force a bunch of turnovers.
Aside from their Game 3 no-show in Minnesota, the Thunder have been able to consistently score a ton of points on the Wolves (at least 114 in each of Games 1, 2 and 4), and I expect them to once again light up the scoreboard tonight.
Timberwolves vs. Thunder Game 5 Best Bets
Let's go with the Thunder to not just win, but win big.
While Minnesota is a much different team than the Nuggets, Game 5 of this series (like Game 7 of the WCSF) has the feel of one that could get away from the underdogs, which makes OKC a tempting bet to cover a big alt spread.
Remember, in addition to their two wins in this series by 15-plus points (114-88 in Game 1, 118-103 in Game 2), the Thunder also beat the Nuggets by 30 twice (149-106 in Game 2, 125-93 in Game 7), and they won multiple games vs. Memphis in the first round by at least 19 points.
Thunder -8.5 (-110 at bet365) -- 1 unit
Thunder TT Over 114.5 (-112 at FanDuel) -- 1 unit
Thunder alt spread -14.5 (+200 at FD) -- 0.5 units
Thunder -19.5 (+380 at FD) -- 0.25 units
Newsweek may earn an affiliate commission if you sign up through the links in this article. See the sportsbook operator's terms and conditions for important details. Sports betting operators have no influence over newsroom coverage.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
22 minutes ago
- USA Today
Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder in NBA Finals: Which team has the edge?
Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder in NBA Finals: Which team has the edge? Show Caption Hide Caption Thunder knock off Knicks, will battle Thunder for NBA Finals crown USA TODAY Sports' Lorenzo Reyes breaks down how the Indiana Pacers fought their way into the NBA Finals. Sports Pulse For the seventh consecutive season, the NBA will have a different champion than the previous season. A team hasn't repeated since Golden State won in 2017 and 2018. For the sixth consecutive season, the NBA has does not even have a repeat finalist from the Eastern or Western conferences. It's the Oklahoma City Thunder against the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals, and the series starts with Game 1 on Thursday in Oklahoma City (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC). The Thunder can in their first championship since 1979 when the franchise was the Seattle SuperSonics, and the Pacers can win their first title since joining the NBA from the ABA in 1976. It's a nod to small-market success. Or mid-market success. But definitely not your big markets or glamour markets that have been a part of most NBA Finals over the past two decades. One has to go back to the 2007 and the San Antonio-Cleveland series with comparable market sizes in the Finals. And both teams are under the luxury tax. Let's look at matchups and who has the edge: Thunder-Pacers series breakdown: Who has the edge? Backcourt: Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton This is a fantastic matchup of points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won his first MVP this season, and Haliburton is two-time All-Star who has been sensational in the playoffs. They are different point guards. Gilgeous-Alexander is score-first who can pass, averaging 29.8 points, 6.9 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals and while shooting 47.1% from the field, and Haliburton is pass-first who can score, averaging 18.8 points, 9.8 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.4 steals, and shooting 46.6% from the field in the playoffs. They won't always be guarding each other. The Pacers like to force pace, and Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith will get opportunities to defend Gilgeous-Alexander, sometimes guarding him fullcourt. Oklahoma City's Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins and Cason Wallace provide backcourt depth. For Indiana, Bennedict Mathurin, T.J. McConnell, Ben Sheppard, Nembhard, Nesmith give Haliburton support at the guard spot. Edge: Thunder NBA FINALS ODDS Who is favored in Thunder vs. Pacers? Frontcourt: Thunder's Jalen Williams vs. Pacers' Pascal Siakam Both teams boast frontcourt strength and versatility. They like to protect the paint and play on the perimeter. Williams and Siakam are All-Stars who work hard offensively and defensively — and they both made it to the NBA from mid-majors. Williams attended Santa Clara, and Siakam played at New Mexico State. That back-and-forth will be fascinating to watch. Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, one of the savvier offseason signings, are a significant part of the Thunder's offensive and defensive success. Myles Turner, Obi Toppin and Thomas Bryant like to step outside and shoot 3s and play with force. Edge: Thunder Bench Both teams are deep and will use 10 players if necessary. Rotations tighten this deep in the playoffs, so a player like Thomas Bryant might not get consistent from game to game but the Pacers know they can go to him in certain situations. Same with Oklahoma City's Isaiah Joe, Kenrich Williams and Aaron Wiggins. Both coaches have faith in their reserves to deliver. Edge: Thunder Coaching: Rick Carlisle vs. Mark Daigneault This is Pacers coach Rick Carlisle's second trip to the Finals as head coach, and he won a title with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011. He is one of the game's great coaches and was Coach of the Year in 2001-02. He has adapted to different styles, eras and personnel, and has a gifted offensive mind. He is 83-83 in 16 playoff appearances. Mark Daigneault, the 2023-24 Coach of the Year, has done a fantastic job with the Thunder from 22 victories in his first season as head coach n 2020-21 to 24 to 40 to 57 to 68 victories this season. The Thunder had the No. 1 defense, No. 3 offense and No. 1 net rating and has helped developed a collegial spirit that works at this level. He is 18-8 in the playoffs over two seasons. Edge: Pacers 3-point shooting Both teams can make 3s — the Pacers are better, averaging 13.4 made 3s per game and shooting a 2025 playoff-best 40.1% from that distance. The Thunder are at 12.6 and 33.6%. Oklahoma City is tremendous at taking away the opponent's offensive strength so it's worth watching how they try to limit Indiana's 3-point shooting. Edge: Pacers Bonus category: City life Indianapolis and Oklahoma City are wonderful heartland cities — one more Midwest, the other more southwest. They are cities buoyed by agriculture, tech, medicine, oil and nearby universities. They both bring in a variety of musical acts, arts and entertainment and both have restaurants and chefs recognized by the James Beard Foundation. Edge: Even Overall edge: Pacers vs. Thunder The Thunder were the best team in the regular season and have been the best team in the playoffs. The Pacers have been impressive the past two seasons, but this has seemed like Oklahoma City's year since the first game in October. Edge: Thunder The biggest stories, every morning. Stay up-to-date on all the key sports developments by subscribing to USA TODAY Sports' newsletter.
Boston Globe
an hour ago
- Boston Globe
You may not know much about the Pacers and Thunder, but you'll enjoy the show they put on in the NBA Finals
Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Indiana also had more defensive weapons, using the versatile former Celtic Aaron Nesmith to defend Jalen Brunson, but the Pacers won the series offensively. They averaged 116.8 points per game compared with Boston's 105.8. Advertisement The Celtics attempted 90 more 3-pointers versus the Knicks than Indiana did, but made only 24 more. With their inability to consistently score, especially down the stretches of Games 1, 2, and Series MVP Pascal Siakam led the Pacers in scoring, and they torched the Knicks defense with 49.1 percent shooting and 39 percent from the 3-point line. Eight Pacers averaged at least 8 points per game. They battered the Knicks with their balance, which gives them at least a shot against the heavily favored Thunder. Advertisement Although this is not an NBA Finals featuring any of the league's darling markets, it is the best teams in each conference, which makes for a compelling matchup. The Pacers and Thunder are a lot alike, their cornerstone players each acquired through trade. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 29.8 points per game in the playoffs for the Thunder, who won four games by at least 30 points during their postseason run through the Western Conference. Kyle Phillips/Associated Press Oklahoma City made the brilliant move of Gilgeous-Alexander has transformed into one of the great scorers because of a quirky midrange game that draws a slew of fouls and allows him easy points. Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti fully realizes his franchise will never be a vogue free-agent destination, so he's had to acquire stars through trades and drafts. In the previous generation, it was Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka, and James Harden — all drafted. When those four departed for various reasons, Presti tore down the roster, and acquired a litany of first-round picks by serving as a place holder for teams' unwanted and expiring contracts. The Thunder have risen to the league's best team, and Presti still has seven more first-round picks from other clubs from 2026-29. After losing in the bubble during Gilgeous-Alexander's first season with the club, the Thunder missed the playoffs for three years. Those three lottery seasons produced Williams and Chet Holmgren, and solid second-round picks Jaylin Williams and Aaron Wiggins. Presti used former lottery pick Josh Giddey, benched during Advertisement He also used the team's salary space on rugged center Isaiah Hartenstein to give the Thunder a physical post presence. It's taken years for Presti to build this championship contender, and it's come mostly through the draft, but it began with that George for Gilgeous-Alexander trade. Related : What makes this an intriguing Finals, and one that could serve as motivation in other small and medium markets, is that neither is a luxury tax team. Both were built without max free-agent signings. The Pacers traded for Tyrese Haliburton, The Pacers also capitalized on a rebuilding Toronto by Would the NBA and ABC have benefited more financially if the Knicks had reached their first Finals in 26 years? They would not have matched up better with the Thunder than the Pacers, who were a better team with more depth and weapons. The casual basketball fan may not be able to name the Indiana starting five, or even four players from the Thunder roster, but it should be an entertaining series. Advertisement OKC's Mark Daigneault is a Prepare for an entertaining and intriguing Finals, but it may require a little pre-game homework to become familiar with the lack of household names. Gary Washburn is a Globe columnist. He can be reached at
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Football transfer rumours: Manchester United to replace Fernandes with Gonçalves?
The Rumour Mill is back in action, filtering absolutely nothing from the gossipmongers and pumping it straight into your eyes. To heighten the excitement, there is not one but two transfer windows this summer. You lucky lot. Matheus Cunha's £62.5m move from Wolves has ignited what is to be a busy off-season for Ruben Amorim as he attempts to turn the Manchester United behemoth around. It could become somewhat more complicated if Bruno Fernandes decides he wants to test himself in jump ship to the Saudi Premier League with Al-Hilal. If that does become the case, one bit of tittle-tattle doing the rounds is that Amorim will return to his former employers to sign Pedro Gonçalves, who once had a gloriously forgettable spell at Wolves. Advertisement Related: Manchester United confirm agreement to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves In a summer where plenty are leaving Bayer Leverkusen, they look set to make one signing. Brentford and the Bundesliga club have agreed a deal for the goalkeeper Mark Flekken. There has been plenty of discussion to find a fee that is acceptable for both sides but every is finally happy with the outcome. It means Brentford need a new No 1 and they have Caoimhin Kelleher with an £18m already in place for the Republic of Ireland international. Inside the Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen Venn diagram is a deal for Florian Wirtz. The Premier League champions have made a couple of offers for the German midfielder without success. Erik ten Hag would like any deal to include Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah in order to progress things. Another Liverpool person of interest is Milos Kerkez but they are yet to make contact with Bournemouth over the left-back. Chelsea are closing in on Liam Delap but do not want to stop there when it comes to signing the best of young English talent. The Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite is of increasing interest to Enzo Maresca and the Blues recruitment machine after impressing at Goodison Park. Advertisement David Moyes will not be keen on losing Branthwaite as he is targeting a period of squad strengthening. One potential target is Brighton's Matt O'Riley who enjoyed and indifferent first season on the south coast under Fabian Hürzeler, who could be open to letting him go. It should be a fun couple of months in the free transfer market and La Liga sides are always pretty savvy when it comes to not spending cash. Barcelona are supposedly having a natter with Thomas Partey and his representatives about a move to Catalonia. Sunderland might be back in the Premier League but a few of their stars are being linked with moves away. Jobe Bellingham is being tracked by Eintracht Frankfurt and Dan Neil is being linked with a £15m move to Roma. Down in the Championship, centre-backs are in demand. The Bournemouth defender Chris Mepham, who spent the season on loan at Sunderland, is wanted by Sheffield United, while Derby are keen on Wolves' Craig Dawson. Wrexham are plotting a triple threat of deals. Tottenham's Ben Davies, Leicester's Danny Ward and Brentford's Myles Peart-Harris are all on the list of targets.
