Thunder vs. Timberwolves Prediction: Game 3 Odds & Preview

After taking a 2-0 series lead at home, the Oklahoma City Thunder will travel to face the Minnesota Timberwolves for Game 3 of the Western Conference finals at 8:30 p.m. ET on Friday at Target Center on TNT.

The Thunder, who have established themselves as clear NBA championship odds favorites, secured a 118-103 win over the Timberwolves in Thursday’s Game 2. Recently crowned MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 38 points and eight assists.

Here’s a look at the latest NBA odds for Timberwolves vs. Thunder and my prediction ahead of Saturday’s Game 3:

Thunder vs. Timberwolves Odds: Game 3

• Thunder spread: -2.5
• Timberwolves spread: +2.5
• Total: 217.5

Thunder vs. Timberwolves Prediction: Game 3 Best Bet

Based on the updated NBA betting lines, I‘m taking Minnesota’s moneyline (+125) as my best bet for Game 3 of the Western Conference finals between the Timberwolves and Thunder.

The Thunder have cruised through the first two games, winning the opener by 26 points and the second game by 15. They have covered the closing spreads of -7 and -8, respectively.

The Timberwolves don’t have any answers, but I think they will find them for at least one night. This is a classic letdown spot for Oklahoma City after taking a 2-0 series lead, whereas Minnesota will have to throw everything it has into Game 3.

Minnesota has underperformed from a shooting perspective. It posted a 45.5% effective field goal rate in Game 1 and a 48.8% clip in Game 2. For comparison, the Wolves ranked 12th in the league with an effective field goal rate of 55.6% during the regular season.

Oklahoma City deserves plenty of credit as the best defensive team in the league, but some of that is due to Minnesota’s high 3-point frequency. When the shots aren’t falling, it looks a lot worse than it actually is.

I’ll bet on positive regression and an inspired effort from the Wolves, especially at a plus-money price.

Game 3 prediction: Timberwolves ML (+125)