How to watch Timberwolves vs. Thunder: Live stream the 2025 Western Conference Finals

Business Insider

20-05-2025

The 2025 NBA conference finals tip off tonight, starting in the West. We've compiled everything you need to know about how to watch Timberwolves vs. Thunder, including live streaming options for those without cable.
After a surprising turn at the Western Conference semifinals, the No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves have advanced to the Conference Finals, where they'll square off with the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. The Wolves made quick work of their first and second-round California-based opponents, eliminating the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors 4-1 in each series.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, who led the league during the 2024-2025 regular season, swept the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round. However, they faced quite a battle in the conference semifinals, which sent them all the way to Game 7 against the Denver Nuggets.
Whether you're rooting for Minnesota or Oklahoma City, we've got you covered. Below, you can find some of the top streaming services that will allow you to watch the conference finals, including the cheapest option in the US.
What channel is the Timberwolves vs. Thunder game on?
Game 1 of the Timberwolves vs. Thunder match-up will air on ESPN in the US. Most of the series, including the contingent games, will be broadcast on ESPN, but Game 3 will air on ABC. Game 1 is scheduled to tip off on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. ET. NBA Countdown coverage begins on the network at 7:30.
How to watch Timberwolves vs. Thunder in the US
You won't be able to watch this series on ESPN Plus, so if you're a cord-cutter, you'll need to sign up for a live TV streaming channel package. Three of our favorite services are Sling TV, DirecTV, and Fubo. We've tried these out ourselves and found them to be top-notch sports streaming options. Plus, they're month-to-month, which means that you can cancel at any time.
Sling TV is the absolute cheapest way to live stream the ESPN network in the US right now. You'll need to make sure you sign up for Sling's Orange plan to ensure you can access ESPN, in addition to 34 other popular live channels. We like this option because it also comes with TNT, which carries the Eastern Conference Finals, and ESPN3, which typically simulcasts NBA on ABC games. Subscriptions start at $46/month, but new users can get 50% off their first month of service right now.
DirecTV is another popular way to live stream ESPN. The MySports genre pack carries ESPN, TNT, and around 25 other key sports networks. Plans also throw in access to ESPN Plus, a bonus for sports fans who don't already have an account. Subscriptions cost $70/month, but new users can try the service out for free for five days.
Fubo 's Pro plan offers ESPN and 150+ other popular channels in its lineup. Subscriptions cost $85/month, making it one of the more expensive options today, but new users can get $20 off their first month of service after a seven-day free trial.
How to watch Timberwolves vs. Thunder from anywhere
NBA fans traveling away from home can keep up with their usual streaming methods from anywhere with the help of a VPN. Short for virtual private networks, VPNs are cybersecurity tools that enable you to alter your device's virtual location. This way, you can access your usual websites and apps around the globe without interruption. This option will work best for Americans who are simply traveling abroad since the services we've highlighted require US forms of payment.
Of all the best VPNs on the market, ExpressVPN consistently ranks highest. It's an easy-to-use option with an impressive number of global servers and security-enhancing perks, which you can read about in our ExpressVPN review. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Use a VPN to watch these events & shows free
All the items below have a free streaming option that can be unlocked from anywhere with a VPN. Set it to the corresponding country, and you're all set.
French Open (France, from May 25)
Formula 1 (various)
MotoGP (various)
Giro d'Italia (various)
MotoGP (various)
Love Island (various)
Walking Dead: Dead City (New Zealand)
Poker Face (New Zealand)
The Handmaid's Tale (Australia)
How to watch Timberwolves vs. Thunder with a VPN
Sign up for a VPN if you don't already have one.
Install it on the device you're using to watch.
Turn it on and set it to a US location.
Sign up for one of the above services if you don't already have an account.
Enjoy the game.
Note: The use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Business Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.