Game Tonight: OKC Thunder vs Wolves Odds, Injury Report, Prediction, for Dec. 16th

So far home sweet home hasn’t translated as the OKC Thunder began their season-long seven-game home stand with a loss to the Heat. It was a nip and tuck affair with the Thunder only losing by two points (108-110).

A missed call likely cost the Thunder the win but after weeks of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander getting the whistle benefit it’s hard to complain about one call.

That extended the Thunder losing streak to four in-a-row so OKC will try to get back on track tonight as they face the Timberwolves in the front side of a back-to-back set.

The Wolves haven’t exactly been feasting either as they arrive in the midst of a three-game losing streak and the most recent contest being an 88-99 beat down by the Clippers.

Although some of the core players will be out for Minny, fans will get to witness two of the league’s rising stars as Gilgeous-Alexander lines up versus Anthony Edwards.

Thunderous Intentions dives into the specifics.

• Scroll down for our Thunder – Timberwolves Prediction and Game Details

OKC Thunder vs Wolves Odds, Spread, Over/Under

In a bit of a rarity, the OKC Thunder are favored by 1.5 points to win this contest. The over/under is 231.5 while the moneyline is set at plus 105 for the Timberwolves and minus -120 for the Thunder.

Some other betting notables:

• The OKC Thunder are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games.
• The Wolves are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games.
• The OKC Thunder are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games.
• The Wolves are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games on the road.
• The total has gone OVER in 8 of OKC’s last 10 games when hosting Minnesota.
• The Wolves are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games against Oklahoma City.
• The total has gone OVER in 8 of Oklahoma City’s last 10 games at home.
• The total has gone OVER in 8 of Minnesota’s last 10 games when in OKC.
• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City’s last 5 games.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Injury Report

Kenrich Williams (knee) and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (ankle) will be out again nursing their injuries.

Ousmane Dieng suffered a non-displaced fracture of his wrist and will be out indefinitely. Chet Holmgren (foot) is out for the season.

Additionally, Lindy Waters III is on assignment with the OKC Blue in the G League.

Another game where Thunder fans won’t get to witness the opposing team’s top player (although the positioning is debatable depending on how you value KAT) as Karl-Anthony Towns remains out healing from a calf injury.

Two other starters might be out as Rudy Gobert (ankle) and D’Angelo Russell (knee) are both listed as questionable.

In addition, Jordan McLaughin (calf strain) and Taurean Prince (shoulder) are both out

OKC Thunder vs. Wolves key matchup and prediction

When Danny Ainge pulled off the biggest trade of the offseason sending Rudy Gobert to the Wolves it was assumed the six-time All-Defense and three-time Defensive Player of the Year would bolster the Wolves’ defense.

Lost in the shuffle of that deal, however, was Minny sent out other defensive stalwarts like Jarred Vanderbilt and Patrick Beverley.

Minny believed Gobert would free KAT to not have to defend opposing centers unlocking his true potential but perhaps no one considered how slow he would be trying to stop forwards.

Almost a third of the way into the season, the initial results are lackluster. Minny allows the seventh most opponent points per game (116.1). Foes shoot 45.9 percent from the field and 37.4 percent from the perimeter ranking seventh and 28th respectively.

Offensively, the Wolves score the 12th most points per game (112.3) while shooting 48.5 percent from the field and 33 percent from the perimeter ranking fifth and 25th respectively.

Prior to his injury KAT was leading the team in scoring but with him sidelined it’s allowing Edwards an opportunity to shine.

If there are questions about the fit of Gobert with KAT, there may be even more issues with the big man’s fit beside the Wolves’ rising star.

Edwards is averaging 22.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. AntMan is shooting 45.2% on 17.8 attempted field goals, 35.9% on 7.1 deep balls, and 75.3% from the charity stripe on 5.2 free throws.

In comparison, Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game.

SGA is hooting 50.6% on  20.5 attempted field goals, 32.1% on 3.0 deep balls, and 93.4% from the charity stripe on 10.0 free throws per game.

If Gobert and Russell are out the Wolves will be hard-pressed to measure up to the depth of the Thunder especially because Mark Daigneault isn’t afraid to go 10 or more deep into his bench.

While the Thunder should win this match it’s also important to note the recent winning streaks of the Rockets and Magic have resulted in the OKC Thunder inching closer to one of those coveted bottom three slots.

The Hornets have overtaken the tankers with the fewest wins (7) followed by the Pistons (8) and then a trio of clubs who all have nine wins (Magic, Rockets, Spurs).

The OKC thunder and Wizards are the teams next up the chain with 11 wins each and logistically still very much in the hunt if they elect to go full-bore on tanking.

What channel is the Thunder-Wolves game on?

Per usual the game will be broadcast on Bally Sports Oklahoma or NBA League Pass. Tip-Off is set for 8:00 p.m. EST (7:00 CT) from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

OKC Thunder vs. Wolves Live Stream

If you need a live stream of the event, check out FuboTV for a free trial!

Thunder Next Game and Schedule

The OKC Thunder have begun a season-high home stand of seven matches. This is the front side of a back-to-back set that will feature the red-hot Grizzlies on Saturday.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.