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The Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One of the Western Conference Finals on Tuesday (May 20). This marks the Thunder's first appearance in the conference finals since 2016. The Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards, are making their second consecutive appearance in the series.
The Thunder, who finished the regular season with 68 wins, are the top seed in the Western Conference. They advanced to the finals after sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round and defeating the Denver Nuggets in a dramatic seven-game series. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a standout player for Oklahoma City, is expected to be a key figure in the series. He had impressive scoring performances during the regular season against the Timberwolves, including games with 37, 39, and 40 points.
The Timberwolves, seeded sixth, have had a strong playoff run, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors in successive 4-1 series wins. Anthony Edwards has been a standout performer, averaging 26.5 points per game in the playoffs. Julius Randle has also been crucial, contributing significantly to Minnesota's postseason success.
The series promises to be a battle of defense, as both teams are known for their strong defensive play. Oklahoma City leads the playoffs in defensive rating and points off turnovers, while Minnesota has been disciplined and effective in its defensive efforts.
Game One will take place at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.