The Thunder can advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012 with a win over the Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals on Wednesday night.
Oklahoma City took a 3-1 series lead with a gritty, 128-126 victory in Game 4 on Monday, demonstrating impressive resolve after a blowout loss in Game 3. League MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued to put his stamp on the series with a 40-point, 10-assist double-double.
Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 29.5 points per game in the playoffs. He's scored 30-plus points in all three wins against Minnesota; in the lone loss, he was held to 14 points, his lowest total of the playoffs this year.
Minnesota didn't look competitive in the first two games at the Paycom Center: Will that change with its season on the brink? Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards combined for just 21 points in the Timberwolves' disappointing Game 4 loss, leaving much to be desired heading back on the road for a do-or-die Game 5.
Here's what you need to know about Wednesday's matchup between the Thunder and Timberwolves, including broadcast information and start time.
What channel is Thunder vs. Timberwolves on today?
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live stream: Sling
Game 5 of Thunder vs. Timberwolves will air live on ESPN with Mike Breen (play-by-play), Doris Burke (analyst), Richard Jefferson (analyst) and Lisa Salters (reporter) remaining on the call for the series.
Fans looking to stream Thunder vs. Timberwolves can watch live on Sling, which will carry every NBA playoff game in 2025.
Sling is your home for playoff action. Catch NBA and NHL postseason games with a range of sports channels including TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, ABC and more.
What is Sling TV?
Sling TV is a popular live streaming service that offers a flexible and affordable way to watch television without a traditional cable subscription. It provides a range of channel packages, allowing users to customize their viewing experience by choosing from various genres, including sports, news, and entertainment.
One of its best qualities is the no-contract model, which gives subscribers the freedom to start and stop service as they please. Additionally, Sling TV's user-friendly interface, compatibility with multiple devices, and the option for add-ons like premium channels make it an attractive choice for those looking to streamline their viewing options.
Thunder vs. Timberwolves start time
- Date: Wednesday, May 28
- Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Game 5 of the NBA Playoffs series between the Thunder and Timberwolves is set to tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
With a win, the Thunder will close out the series and advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since the 2011-12 season, when Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden led Oklahoma City through the Western Conference.
Minnesota, back against the wall, will try to avoid losing in the Western Conference Finals for the second consecutive season; the Timberwolves fell in five games to the Mavericks last year.
Thunder vs. Timberwolves radio station
- Radio station: SiriusXM
Fans can listen to the Thunder vs. Timberwolves broadcast live on SiriusXM.
New subscribers can enjoy SiriusXM for free for four months. Listen to live NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL games, plus NASCAR, college sports and more. Stay updated with all the news and get all the analysis on multiple sport-specific channels.
Thunder vs. Timberwolves series schedule
Oklahoma City leads series 3-1
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| May 20 | Game 1: Thunder 114, Timberwolves 88 | — | — |
| May 22 | Game 2: Thunder 118, Timberwolves 103 | — | — |
| May 24 | Game 3: Timberwolves 143, Thunder 101 | — | — |
| May 26 | Game 4: Thunder 128, Timberwolves 126 | — | — |
| May 28 | Game 5 at Thunder | 8:30 p.m. | ESPN, Sling, SN |
| May 30 | Game 6* at Timberwolves | 8:30 p.m. | ESPN, Sling, SN |
| June 1 | Game 7* at Thunder | 8 p.m. | ESPN, Sling, SN |
*If necessary
NBA Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2025
Here are the key dates to know for the NBA Playoffs and offseason. Some series start dates could move up depending on when previous series end.
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| Play-In Tournament | April 15-18 |
| First round begins | April 19 |
| Conference semifinals begin | May 5-6 |
| NBA Draft Lottery | May 12 |
| Western Conference finals begin | May 20 |
| Eastern Conference finals begin | May 21 |
| NBA Finals begin | June 5 |
| NBA Finals Game 7 (if necessary) | June 22 |
| NBA Draft | June 25-26 |