When NBA schedule makers were planning the Christmas Day slate, they decided to feature the Minnesota Timberwolves for the first time in the franchise’s history. Minnesota hasn’t lived up to heightened preseason expectations so far, but the young Wolves will look to prove they belong on the big stage against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
- Russell Westbrook is averaging 21.3 points per game on Christmas Day.
- The Timberwolves are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games.
- The UNDER is 7-3 in the Thunder's last 10 games.
When Kevin Durant departed Oklahoma City for Golden State, many hoop heads thought the Thunder were headed straight for the cellar in the Western Conference. Russell Westbrook has made sure that didn’t happen, as the dominant point guard is currently having a season for the ages while firmly establishing himself as the MVP frontrunner.
This will be the Thunder’s ninth game played on Christmas Day, but they’ve been pretty mediocre betting-wise in that span. OKC is 4-4 SU and ATS on December 25, with the OVER/UNDER going 3-5. Westbrook is averaging 21.3 points, seven assists and 7.5 rebounds on the big day, but you can expect better numbers this time around due to him being the lone superstar on the team for the first time.
Minny has been one of the worst teams in the league to wager on this year, as the Timberwolves are a measly 12-16 ATS. Minnesota is 5-9 ATS away from home and 6-11 as underdogs. With an abundance of young talent, Tom Thibodeau’s squad will be one of the best teams in the West within a few years, but the future clearly hasn’t arrived in Minnesota yet.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Sports bettors looking to pick the Oklahoma City Thunder as their prediction for this matchup, they were listed earlier as -4.5-point favorites on the betting odds board at Sportsbook. Those betting on the total over/under for points scored have seen that line set at 204 for Sunday at shops such as Sportsbook.
Odds Shark computer score prediction models pick a possible 111-103 win for the Thunder on Sunday. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NBA matchups here.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Oklahoma City Thunder Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
Supporters of the Minnesota Timberwolves have seen them go 9-20 and 11-18 ATS so far this NBA season, while the Oklahoma City Thunder are at 18-12 and 15-15 ATS. In Over/Under totals betting, the Thunder are 13-16-1, while the Minnesota Timberwolves are 15-14. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Oklahoma City vs Minnesota injuries news.
The Odds Shark betting Power Rankings have the Oklahoma City Thunder at No. 11 and the Minnesota Timberwolves at No. 23 heading into this NBA contest.
Statistical Matchup
When it comes to rebounds, the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves rank No. 19 in the league with 43.38 per game. That compares with Oklahoma City's No. 4 ranking in that category. The story is different when it comes to three-point shooting where Oklahoma City is the NBA's No. 19-ranked team at 8.6 per game, while the Minnesota Timberwolves rate No. 26 with 8.14 per contest.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Timberwolves got a terrific 40-point performance from Zach LaVine but Sacramento handed them a 109-105 defeat on Friday at Target Center.
Boston was victimized by Russell Westbrook for 45 points as the Thunder defeated the Celtics 117-112 in NBA action on Friday.
- Minnesota is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
- Minnesota is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games
- Minnesota is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games when playing Oklahoma City
- Oklahoma City is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Oklahoma City's last 10 games
- Oklahoma City is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Minnesota home to Atlanta, Monday, December 26th
Oklahoma City at Miami, Tuesday, December 27th
