The Oklahoma City Thunder are hitting the road to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves this Sunday, marking the first leg of a unique back-to-back series between the two teams. It’s not often you see squads face off in consecutive games, making this matchup even more intriguing. Last time these two met, OKC looked drained heading into the All-Star break, falling to Minnesota in a tough loss on February 13.
Thunder Looking Fresh After All-Star Break
Coming off the NBA’s midseason spectacle, the Thunder (45-10) wasted no time making a statement. In their first game back, they absolutely dominated the Utah Jazz in a blowout win on Friday night. Perhaps the most exciting takeaway? It was one of the rare moments this season where OKC had a nearly full roster.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams all put on a show, proving why this squad is one of the best in the league. With their core players in sync, the Thunder are looking like a serious championship contender.
Timberwolves Struggle in Return from Break
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves (31-26) had a less-than-ideal return to action. Despite Anthony Edwards' monster 37-point performance, Minnesota fell just short in a close game against the Houston Rockets on Friday. That loss means the Timberwolves will be eager to bounce back on their home court against an elite OKC team.
However, Minnesota is dealing with some tough lineup challenges, as key players are sidelined with injuries. The pressure is on for the Wolves to find a way to counter the Thunder’s high-powered attack.
What to Expect from the Starting Lineups
Both teams are rolling out expected lineups, though Minnesota’s injuries are forcing them to adjust. Here’s a look at who’s taking the floor:
Thunder Starting Five:
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
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Lu Dort
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Jalen Williams
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Chet Holmgren
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Isaiah Hartenstein
Timberwolves Starting Five:
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Anthony Edwards
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Mike Conley
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Jaden McDaniels
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Jaylen Clark
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Naz Reid
With Rudy Gobert out, the Timberwolves are playing small, which could create some serious mismatches—especially in the paint. Expect Holmgren to take full advantage of that absence.
Where and When to Watch Thunder vs. Timberwolves
Want to catch the action live? Here’s how:
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TV Channel: ESPN, FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma
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Start Time: 8:30 p.m. CT
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Live Streaming: Watch the game live on Fubo (free trial available)
If you're looking for live updates and highlights throughout the game, make sure to check back on this post for all the latest info!
Injury Report: Who’s Out for Tonight’s Game?
Injuries are always a factor late in the season, and both teams are dealing with some key absences:
Thunder Injuries:
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Ajay Mitchell (toe sprain) – Out
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Nikola Topic (torn ACL) – Out
Timberwolves Injuries:
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Rudy Gobert (back spasms) – Out
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Julius Randle (groin strain) – Out
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Donte DiVincenzo (toe sprain) – Out
Gobert’s absence is particularly huge, as Minnesota will have to rely on smaller players to defend the rim against an aggressive OKC attack.
What’s Next for the Thunder?
After Sunday’s matchup, OKC won’t have much time to rest before the next challenge. Here’s a look at their upcoming schedule:
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Monday, Feb. 24 – vs. Timberwolves (home)
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Wednesday, Feb. 26 – at Nets
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Friday, Feb. 28 – at Hawks
With momentum on their side, the Thunder have a great chance to keep rolling through this stretch. Will they continue to dominate, or will the Timberwolves find a way to steal a win? Stay tuned to find out!
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