Game 1 Showdown: Shai vs Ant-Man — Who Will Control the West?

Tonight, the 2025 NBA Playoffs continue with Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals:

🏀 Game 1: Minnesota Timberwolves at Oklahoma City Thunder

Time: 8:30 PM ET Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City Broadcast: ESPN / fuboTV

Series Overview:

The top-seeded Thunder (68–14) are making their first Western Conference Finals appearance since 2016. The Timberwolves (49–33), seeded sixth, are in the conference finals for the second consecutive year. 

Key Players:

Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the team with averages of 29.0 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game in the playoffs. Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards is averaging 26.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game this postseason. 

Storylines:

The Thunder are coming off a decisive Game 7 victory over the Denver Nuggets, winning 125–93. The Timberwolves have had six days of rest after eliminating the Golden State Warriors in five games. This series features two of the league’s top defenses, with Oklahoma City holding a 101.6 defensive rating and Minnesota at 106.8 during the playoffs. 

🔜 Upcoming Game:

Wednesday, May 21: Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 – Indiana Pacers at New York Knicks, 8:00 PM ET (TNT)