The OKC Thunder host the Minnesota Timberwolves in a must win home game.

It’s a timely first meeting between the OKC Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves with seeding on the line. Gameday breaks down the keys to the game.

As the season progresses, it is obvious that the OKC Thunder are intent on competing to win games. As a result, with the Minnesota Timberwolves being on the second night of a five-game road trip, it is imperative that the Thunder win to stay in touch with the pack chasing the final playoff seeds.

The  Timberwolves arrive at a great time for the Thunder to gauge where they are relative to Minnesota and potential gain some leverage in the standings. The Wolves have a 10-10 record and currently are seeded seventh in the Western Conference.

Andrew Wiggins has been balling out averaging 24.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.2 blocks per game. His play is a huge reason the Timberwolves are in the position they are in right now.

Karl-Anthony Towns has been good as well, leading the team in scoring with 25.9 points and 12.5 rebounds per game. He is doing it all by averaging 4.1 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.0 steals per game.

However, where Towns has become the most dangerous is from deep, taking more than half his shots from beyond the arc. Scarily he is making 42.1 percent of his 8.9 attempts.

This does play into the Thunder’s hands a little bit though due to having one of the best 3-point defenses in the league. They are third in the league for 3-point attempts and makes against.

Players like Terrance Ferguson and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have the length to trouble most shooters and the defensive rotations are good.

This brings us to the keys to the game