Two teams at the top of the Western Conference battle on Boxing Day when the Minnesota Timberwolves visit the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Minnesota has ripped off 11 wins in its last 13 games, yet it's still a 3.5-point road underdog in the NBA odds.
OKC is coming off the first loss of its five-game homestand, falling to the Lakers on Saturday.
Check below for my free Timberwolves vs Thunder NBA picks for Tuesday, December 26.
Timberwolves vs Thunder odds
Timberwolves vs Thunder predictions
This is the second of four meetings between these teams, with the Minnesota Timberwolves winning at home in November 106-103 — a game won at their preferred pace.
Minnesota is powered by the NBA’s top defensive rating, allowing a league-low 106.6 points per game, while ranking Top-3 in both field-goal and three-point defense.
They’re coming off a 110-98 win over the Sacramento Kings, holding them to 43.5% shooting from the field, including an 8-for-33 mark from downtown, a 24.2% clip.
The Oklahoma City Thunder aren’t defensive slouches themselves, with a defensive rating that sits sixth, while also just behind Minny in field-goal shooting defense at 44.4%.
OKC owns the advantage offensively, as it sits fifth in scoring, one of just six teams dropping better than 120 points per game.
In their last game, the Thunder couldn’t contain the Lakers, dropping a 129-120 decision, losing for the first time in five games at Paycom Center.
Minnesota comes into this one with the NBA's best road record at 10-5, joining only the Denver Nuggets as teams with double-digit wins away from home.
Both sides have some big question marks on the injury front. Wolves big man Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) is questionable, as are OKC’s Jalen Williams (illness) and Josh Giddey (ankle).
Obviously, checking the injury report before your wager will determine your comfort level, but Minnesota has dominated this head-to-head, winning three straight and nine of the last 10.
Minnesota has not staggered against the top teams, running a 15-4 mark against teams with winning records while OKC is barely .500 vs .500 or better teams, at 10-9.
My best bet: Timberwolves moneyline (+136 at DraftKings)
Timberwolves vs Thunder same-game parlay
With the anticipation of a game played at the Timberwolves’ pace — the combined score by these teams has gone Under the 225.5 total set for this game five times in the last six meetings — let’s target the top option for each side.
Anthony Edwards has been on a tear of late, averaging 31.2 points over his last five, but that 27.5 line has been a tough cross for the 22-year-old. In his last 10 against the Thunder, Edwards has scored 28 points or more just once.
Oklahoma City offers a healthy set of defensive perimeter players to throw his way, in the form of Lu Dort, Keyontae Johnson, Kenrich Williams, and Jalen Williams (if he’s a go), who will work to funnel him into Chet Holmgren, waiting at the tin.
For that reason, I’m banking on the Thunder keeping Edwards in check Tuesday night.
We’ll finish this same-game parlay with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who’s currently fourth in the league in scoring at 30.4 points per game.
He’s averaging 31.2 points through nine December games, but crossing his total of 33.5 points set vs. Minnesota? He’s been able to do that just three times.
Is SGA going to make you sweat it? You bet he is: in his last four games against the Timberwolves, he's topped the total once, but scored 33 twice and finished another with 32.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Best NBA bonuses
All Users
No-sweat 3+ leg SGP every day
Bonus bets back if your wager doesn’t win! Claim Now
New Users
Get up to $1,500 bonus bets back
If your first bet doesn’t win! Claim Now
All Users
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards to score 30+ points each
(was +175, NOW +250!) Bet Now
Eligible USA locations only. Also, see our full list of best sportsbook promotions for 2023.
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Timberwolves vs Thunder spread and Over/Under analysis
The Wolves have been listed as long as five-point underdogs, but the spread has moved throughout the day, with most books offering the line at 3.5 to four points.
The Thunder are the best bet against the spread in the NBA, going 18-9-0. Minnesota sports a 16-12-0 ATS record but has dominated this head-to-head, covering in seven of the last 10.
The total has not sunk below 225.5 and has risen at some books a full point.
The Over has not been a good bet in this head-to-head, going just 3-7-0, with six of the last seven games going Under.
On the year, both teams have winning records with the Over, with the Wolves at 15-13-0, and the Thunder at 16-11-0.
🕒Vermont: Sports betting is coming!🕒
Vermont sports betting will launch on January 11 — but you can pre-register now with FanDuel and DraftKings!
Check out the best Vermont sports betting apps (as more brands launch in the Green Mountain State), as well as the best Vermont sportsbook promos!
21+ and present in VT. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Timberwolves vs Thunder betting trend to know
The Thunder have won six of their last seven home games against Western Conference opponents. Find more NBA betting trends for Timberwolves vs. Thunder.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
Timberwolves vs Thunder game info
Location: | Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK |
Date: | Tuesday, December 26, 2023 |
Tip-off: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
TV: | Bally Sports North, Bally Sports Oklahoma |
Timberwolves vs Thunder latest injuries
Stay updated with the latest picks, odds, and news! Tap the to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.