Thunder-Timberwolves Game 3 Forecast, Standout Tips and Betting Lines from the Experts
The Minnesota Timberwolves, who have been crushed in Games 1 and 2 of the Western Conference Finals by the Oklahoma City Thunder, are facing a critical Game 3 on their home turf on Saturday night. With a 3-0 deficit, the Timberwolves are up against the impossible task of mounting a comeback, as no team in NBA history has ever managed to recover from such a hole to win a series.
The Thunder have established themselves as formidable opponents, dominating the Timberwolves in the opening games, winning both by double-digit margins. As a result, they are favored by 2.5 points as they step onto the Target Center court in Minneapolis for Game 3.
Despite their home advantage, the Timberwolves have lost just once at home in the playoffs so far. However, their defeat in Game 3 would bring them their first consecutive losses of the postseason. The game tips off at 8:30pm ET and ABC will carry the broadcast.
NBA Odds for Game 3
For those interested in placing bets, FanDuel offers the following odds:
- OKC Thunder: -141
- Minnesota Timberwolves: +120
Predictions and Player Props
The Timberwolves have been struggling offensively against the Thunder, averaging 95.5 points through the first two games. In comparison, OKC has been averaging 116 points on 50% shooting. However, the Timberwolves' stingy defense has been silenced by the Thunder, who are averaging 50% shooting.
Julius Randle, a key player for the Timberwolves, had a dismal performance in Games 1 and 2, scoring a combined 6 points. However, Randle has proven to be a consistent scorer in the playoffs, scoring at least 22 points in nine of his last ten outings. Randle is predicted to bounce back in Game 3 and exceed his total points set at 17.5 (-125).
Sources:[1] https://www.fanduel.com/sportsbook/basketball/nba/oklahoma-city-thunder-vs-minnesota-timberwolves[2] https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore//gameId/401476700[3] https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/202305230OKC.html[4] https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/202305200OKC.html[5] https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore//gameId/401476701
- The sportsbook FanDuel offers odds for Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Oklahoma City Thunder, with the Thunder as favorites (-141) and the Timberwolves as underdogs (+120).
- With a spread of 2.5 points, the Thunder are favored to win Game 3, even though the Timberwolves have a strong home record in the playoffs.
- NBA expert predictions suggest Julius Randle, a key player for the Timberwolves, may bounce back after a poor performance in Games 1 and 2, and exceed his total points set at 17.5 (-125) in Game 3.
- Despite the Timberwolves' offensive struggles against the Thunder and their defensive silencing in the opening games, Saturday's game at the Target Center promises to be a competitive match.
