Timberwolves vs. Thunder Prediction: Game 2 Western Conference Finals Preview

The Oklahoma City Thunder will try to take a 2-0 series lead in Game 2 at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday at the Paycom Center on ESPN.

Oklahoma City pulled away in the second half of Game 1, scoring 70 points over the final two quarters to win 114-88. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points for the Thunder, while Julius Randle notched 28 points in a losing effort for Minnesota.

Here’s a look at the latest NBA odds for Timberwolves vs. Thunder and my prediction ahead of Thursday’s Game 2:

Timberwolves vs. Thunder Odds: Game 2

• Timberwolves spread: +7.5
• Thunder spread: -7.5
• Total: 214.5

Timberwolves vs. Thunder Prediction: Game 2 Best Bet

Based on the updated NBA betting lines, I‘m taking the over on Jaden McDaniels’ assist prop (1.5) as my best bet for Game 2 of the Western Conference finals between the Timberwolves and Thunder.

After backing Jalen Williams to clear 4.5 assists in Game 1, I like the idea of staying in this department for Game 2. McDaniels is undervalued after fouling out in 24 minutes of the WCF opener.

While McDaniels’ foul trouble is always a risk, he finished with three assists on Tuesday. He recorded five potential assists and 34 passes in the first game. For comparison, SGA recorded 36 passes and finished with nine assists on 10 potential dimes.

McDaniels has averaged 31.2 passes made per game this postseason, turning that into 1.5 assists per contest. However, he’s cleared this mark in three straight outings.

I expect the Wolves to have a better offensive showing on Thursday, so I’d take this over at a plus-money price.

Game 2 prediction: Jaden McDaniels over 1.5 assists (+115)

When Was the Last Time the Timberwolves Reached the NBA Finals?

The Timberwolves have never been to the NBA Finals since becoming a franchise in 1989.

When Was the Last Time the Thunder Reached the NBA Finals?

The Thunder haven’t reached the NBA Finals since 2012, when they lost to the Miami Heat in five games. They haven’t won a title since moving to Oklahoma City in 2009.