Oklahoma City was expected to be here before the season even tipped off. Minnesota traded fan favorite Karl-Anthony Towns away for Julius Randle right before the season — a trade all about saving money — but they are back in the Western Conference Finals for the second straight year. And they may be better this time around.
When does the Timberwolves vs. Thunder begin?
Denver travels to Oklahoma City for Game 1 of the series on Tuesday, May 20, with an 8:30 ET tip-off. The rest of the series goes every other day after that.
Denver vs. Oklahoma City Playoffs Schedule 2025
All times are Eastern (* = if necessary)
Game 1: Timberwolves vs. Thunder; Tues., May 20 (8:30 ET, ESPN)
Game 2: Timberwolves vs. Thunder; Thurs., May 22 (8:30 ET, ESPN)
Game 3: Thunder vs. Timberwolves; Sat., May 24 (8:30 ET, ABC)
Game 4: Thunder vs. Timberwolves; Mon., May 26 (8:30 ET, ESPN)
Game 5: Timberwolves vs. Thunder; Wed., May 28 (8:30 ET, ESPN)*
Game 6: Thunder vs. Timberwolves; Fri., May 30 (8:30 ET, ESPN)*
Game 7: Timberwolves vs. Thunder; Sun., June 1 (8 ET, ESPN)*
Players to watch
Jalen Williams
After scoring 20 points or more in all four of Oklahoma City’s games against the Grizzlies in the first round, he struggled against the Nuggets. Shooting 37.5 percent from the field, J-Dub averaged 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.9 blocks and 1.3 three-pointers per game. While Williams came through in Sunday’s Game 7 victory, scoring 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting, consistent production will be critical against the red-hot Timberwolves. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander likely being occupied with Jaden McDaniels, Williams’ productivity will be key if the Thunder are to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012.
—Raphielle Johnson, Rotoworld basketball analyst
Rudy Gobert
After spending the first two series matched up with Jaxson Hayes and Trayce Jackson-Davis, Gobert is set to have a much tougher matchup in the conference finals. He’ll have to deal with both Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren while still helping out on drives from OKC’s guards, specifically…
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