The stage is set for a high-stakes Western Conference showdown in the NBA this Friday night. The Minnesota Timberwolves will host the formidable Oklahoma City Thunder at the Target Center in Minneapolis. This clash comes with both teams in contrasting recent forms, setting the scene for a compelling encounter.
Team Form and Recent Performances
The Timberwolves enter this game with a solid 17-10 record but are looking to bounce back from a disappointing home loss. On Wednesday night, they fell to the Memphis Grizzlies with a final score of 116–110. The standout performer in that defeat was forward Julius Randle, who led his team's effort with 21 points and five rebounds.
In stark contrast, the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder are riding a wave of dominance. They boast an incredible 25-2 record heading into Friday's contest. Their momentum was further bolstered by a commanding 122-101 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday. Superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was instrumental, dropping a team-high 32 points alongside seven rebounds and six assists. This marked his 20th 30-point game of the season. Rookie sensation Chet Holmgren also impressed, adding 22 points and seven rebounds.
Game Details and How to Watch
The highly anticipated matchup is scheduled for Friday, December 19, 2025. Tip-off is set for 9:30 p.m. ET. Fans in India and globally can catch all the action live online via Amazon Prime Video. For those attending in person, the game will be played at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Expected Lineups and Injury Concerns
Both teams have key players dealing with fitness issues, which could impact their strategies.
Minnesota Timberwolves Expected Starters:
- PG: Donte DiVincenzo
- SG: Bones Hyland
- SF: Jaden McDaniels
- PF: Julius Randle
- C: Rudy Gobert
Oklahoma City Thunder Expected Starters:
- PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- SG: Luguentz Dort
- SF: Jalen Williams
- PF: Chet Holmgren
- C: Isaiah Hartenstein
Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Report: Star guard Anthony Edwards is listed as Questionable due to right foot injury maintenance. Veteran point guard Mike Conley is Out with right Achilles tendinopathy. Jaylen Clark is Questionable with an illness, while Joan Beringer is on a G League assignment.
Oklahoma City Thunder Injury Report: The Thunder will be without several players. Isaiah Hartenstein is Out for rest. Jaylin Williams is sidelined with heel bursitis. Nikola Topic is recovering from testicular surgery, and Thomas Sorber is out following right knee surgery for a torn ACL.
Match Prediction and Stakes
This game presents a classic challenge of resilience versus momentum. The Timberwolves, with a 6-2 record in December, are playing the second game of a five-game homestand. They will need an extraordinary performance to hand the defending champions only their third loss of the entire season.
Meanwhile, the Thunder arrive in Minnesota looking unstoppable. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's consistent brilliance makes them the favourites. However, the potential absence of key players on both sides adds an element of unpredictability. The Timberwolves' home-court advantage and their need to recover from a loss could fuel a fierce battle, making this a must-watch for NBA fans worldwide.
