Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder 12/31/24 – The Minnesota Timberwolves (17-14) are pitted against the Oklahoma City Thunder (26-5) in an interesting selection that should gain plenty of interest on the final day of the year. This game, set for Tuesday is due to take place at the Paycom Center which is the home of the Thunder. The fans are able to witness the live action on NBAt as they will be provided with the opportunity to follow this exciting match.
| When: | Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 8:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Paycom Center |
| TV: | NBAt |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
24 HOURS. pic.twitter.com/vdTjlZ0aVs
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) December 31, 2024
In this Timberwolves vs Thunder matchup, the Timberwolves are placed at significant risk, being categorized as underdogs with a +255 moneyline, while the Thunder appear poised to win the contest with a dominant -312 moneyline and an impressive 26-5 record. The said spread recommends a 7.5-point advantage to the Thunder (which explains their recent winning trend) while the total points line sits at a considerable figure of 215.5 which depicts that this game, in particular, is likely to be a high-scoring affair.
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timberwolves | +7.5 (-111) | Over 215.5 (-111) | +255 |  |
| Thunder | -7.5 (-111) | Under 215.5 (-111) | -312 | |
| ||||
Anthony Edwards (SG) vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG)
The Timberwolves appear to be achieving the level of performance that they have long anticipated from Anthony Edwards with the young star averaging 24.9 points per 36 minutes of playtime. Even so, he manages to be a good playmaker as well looking at his averages of 4 assists and 1.3 steals per game. On the other hand, the Timberwolves need to address Edwards’ 3.1 turnovers per game which may become a hindrance when playing a tough Thunder defense.
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander being the star player of Oklahoma, he has emerged this season as an all-star caliber player averaging 31 points and 6.2 assists. Defensively, he appears to mark the spot around the key as a 2.3 assist to turnover ratio boasts high efficiency not only in scoring but also in finding the open man. Shai appears to be a defensive nightmare with his 1.9 steals and 1.2 blocks mediating any attempts to penetrate the paint.
Timberwolves’ Tactical Play: A Close Look
During their last two games, the Minnesota Timberwolves demonstrated their skill of securing close games which showcased their mental fortitude. They managed to win against San Antonio with a score of 112-110 and edged a very close match against Houston 113-112. All these games accentuate their scoring efficiency as they maintain an average of more than 112 points per game while dominating the boards by grabbing an average of 33.3 defensive rebounds per game. Such stats will be important considering that they are now up against a Thunder squad that does score more.
Thunder Rolling at Home: Strategic Dominance
Through game analysis and statistics reviews, the Oklahoma City Thunder recently have demonstrated formidable strength in their home games such as a thumping 130-106 win against Memphis followed by a 106-94 win against Charlotte. This season, they have been astonishing in terms of their offensive performance average with 115.4 points per game in addition to achieving an impressive 46.6 % in field goal percentage. Defensively, they have been just as strong averaging 11 turnovers a game the lowest in the league ensuring they control the gameplay quite well.
Trends
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Trends
Minnesota are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Minnesota’s last 14 games.
Minnesota are 9-4 SU in their last 13 games.
Minnesota are 10-3 SU in their last 13 games against Oklahoma City.
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Minnesota’s last 9 games on the road.
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Trends
Oklahoma City are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oklahoma City’s last 9 games.
Oklahoma City are 6-0 SU in their last 6 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City’s last 6 games against Minnesota.
Oklahoma City are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games at home.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Prediction
On the basis of statistics and recent games, Oklahoma City Thunder is a better team in all aspects, offense and defense included. The Timberwolves will put up a strong protest to the threat but this should be a closer game than what the odds suggest. That the Thunder have not lost eight consecutive matches in the playoffs makes a difference.
Betting fans should cover the Thunder, and the total should drop, converting both teams into that kind of game lately. This will be commendable for betting on player props when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander goes for over points to have more scoring value thanks to his reliability in scoring. Sign up today to make your NBA betting prediction!
Score Prediction: Thunder 112, Timberwolves 102
