As the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night at Target Center, both teams are dealing with some key injuries-but that hasn’t stopped either squad from making serious noise in the Western Conference.
Let’s start with the Thunder, who come into this matchup with a league-best 25-2 record and a +456 scoring differential that’s downright dominant. They’ve been blowing teams out by nearly 17 points per game, thanks to a lethal combination of offensive firepower and defensive discipline.
At 123.0 points per game, OKC ranks second in the league in scoring, while also holding opponents to just 106.1-best in the NBA. That’s the kind of two-way balance that turns a good team into a title contender.
Injury Watch: Thunder
Oklahoma City will be without a couple of key names. Rookie guard Nikola Topić is out with a groin injury, and big man Thomas Sorber has been ruled out for the season due to a knee issue.
Two other rotation pieces-Isaiah Hartenstein and Jaylin Williams-are listed as day-to-day with foot injuries. Hartenstein’s potential absence could be particularly impactful; he’s been a rebounding machine this season, pulling down 10.6 boards per game, good for fifth in the league.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: MVP-Caliber Season
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to lead the charge for OKC, averaging 32.4 points per game-second in the league-and doing it with ruthless efficiency. Over his last 20 games, he’s putting up 30.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and adding value on both ends with 1.0 steals and 1.5 blocks per night. He’s also knocking down 1.5 threes per game, and while that might not jump off the page, his overall scoring versatility makes him nearly unguardable.
Supporting Cast Stepping Up
Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren have been critical to the Thunder’s success. Williams is averaging 18.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over his last 20 games, while also contributing a whopping 3.0 steals per game-yes, you read that right.
Holmgren, meanwhile, continues to look more comfortable by the day, averaging 19.5 points and 7.0 rebounds, while also knocking down two threes per game. His unique blend of length and shooting has added a whole new dimension to OKC’s offense.
Ajay Mitchell and Alex Caruso have also been valuable in their roles-Mitchell with his all-around contributions (12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists), and Caruso bringing his trademark defensive intensity, averaging 3.5 steals per game over his last 20 contests.
Timberwolves Fighting Through Injuries
Minnesota enters this one at 17-10, and while they’ve been solid, they’ve also had to navigate some injury concerns of their own. Veteran point guard Mike Conley is out with an Achilles injury, and star guard Anthony Edwards is questionable with a foot issue. If Edwards can’t go, that’s a major blow to the Wolves’ offensive firepower.
Minnesota’s Core Holding It Down
Julius Randle has been the go-to guy, averaging 23.0 points per game to lead the team. Over his last 20 games, he’s been putting up 22.5 points, 7.5 boards, and 3.0 assists, while also contributing on the defensive end with 3.0 steals per game. Donte DiVincenzo has been a revelation, averaging 18.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists during that same stretch, while also hitting 3.5 threes per game-ranking him 10th in the league in makes from deep.
Rudy Gobert continues to anchor the paint, averaging 14.0 rebounds and 2.5 blocks over his last 20 games. His presence inside remains one of the biggest reasons Minnesota ranks in the top half of the league in defensive efficiency. Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels have also stepped up, each averaging over 17 points per game recently and spacing the floor with their shooting.
Stat Breakdown: Thunder vs. Wolves
This matchup features two teams that love to shoot the three. The Wolves average 14.1 made threes per game (ninth in the NBA), while the Thunder hit 14.0 per game (10th). Minnesota has been more efficient from deep, knocking them down at a 37.6% clip-fifth-best in the league.
On the glass, it’s a tight battle. OKC averages 44.6 rebounds per game, slightly ahead of Minnesota’s 43.9. But both teams are essentially even when it comes to rebound differential, so second-chance points could swing this one.
What to Watch For
If Anthony Edwards plays, expect a high-octane battle between two of the league’s most dynamic scorers in Edwards and Gilgeous-Alexander. If he’s out, Minnesota will need big nights from Randle and DiVincenzo to keep pace with the Thunder’s high-powered offense.
For OKC, the biggest question is depth. With Hartenstein and Williams both day-to-day, Holmgren may be asked to do even more in the paint. But if the Thunder’s core continues to play at this level, they’ll be a tough out for anyone-even a well-coached, physical team like the Timberwolves.
Tip-off is set for 9:30 p.m. ET at the Target Center. This one has all the makings of a statement game for both sides.