LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Stephen Curry have all been preyed on by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Is MVP candidate, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, next on the list for Anthony Edwards and Co.? We’re about to find that out soon, as the Timberwolves take on the OKC Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. The Wolves have had a phenomenal run so far, taking out two of the fan-favorites this season, that too, in just five games. Now they shift their focus toward the first-seeded OKC, who’ve been riding their own high throughout the season. This best-of-seven Conference Finals series is tipped to go down to the wire. However, Minnesota might have to do that without a few key pieces.
The Timberwolves have been led by a 23-year-old Anthony Edwards. But he’s received a lot of support from his teammates, one of them being forward Julius Randle. The Wolves veteran has been the team’s rock. Well, you don’t have to take our word for it.
Randle has been averaging 23.9 points, along with 5.9 rebounds and 5.9 assists. All of this, while shooting an insane 50.9 percent from the field. What makes this stat line even more impressive is the fact that he joins LeBron James and a handful of other stars averaging 20+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in their first ten playoff games with the team.
This must give you an idea of how important the 30-year-old forward is for Minnesota. Well, the good news is, the Timberwolves faithful can expect to see more of Julius Randle as they head to back-to-back conference finals. Randle is fit to play and is expected to suit up for the series opener tonight. The Wolves forward has had a rollercoaster first season in Minnesota, as he did not hit his stride running initially.
However, as a playoff riser, Randle has stepped up big time and helped ease a bit of pressure off Anthony Edwards. In fact, the two have built a lethal partnership.
Mar 9, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) shakes hands with forward Julius Randle (30) after making a shot against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
“It’s incredible, he never has a bad day,” Randle said while speaking about his young teammate. “He never comes in moody or not wanting to talk or wanting to work. He always puts in a lot of effort, he does a lot of talking and communicating. He’s just Ant, you guys see him, that’s who he is every single day, he doesn’t change.”
It’s great to see this level of camaraderie between the Wolves teammates. More so, because they now head in with a clean slate in the injury department against the No. 1-seeded team in the West. But the question is, how will they approach Game 1?
What could be Minnesota’s starting five for Game 1?
Minnesota’s head coach, Chris Finch, will be relieved after hearing that he has a fully healthy squad. However, this does make him spoiled for choice. Will he make tweaks to his starting five? Or will he trust his starters? Only time will tell. Either way, we’ll see Julius Randle play a huge role alongside Anthony Edwards. Moreover, big man Rudy Gobert will also be eyeing yet another big series. The Timberwolves center was a huge threat against the Lakers and the Warriors. Finch will expect him to emulate his performances as they aim to take down the young and hungry Thunder team.
Here’s how the Timberwolves could start:
Position
Starter
PG
Mike Conley
SG
Anthony Edwards
SF
Jaden McDaniels
PF
Julius Randle
C
Rudy Gobert
This is going to be a close Western Conference Finals series. That’s because there’s not much to separate the two teams. In the end, it might all boil down to how good their rotation players do, something the Minnesota bench has proved time and time out. The likes of Donte DiVincenzo and Naz Reid have provided that much-needed spark coming off the bench.
However, you cannot write off the Thunder, who have been one of, if not the most well-rounded, team with talent spread all across the floor. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top in Game 1 as both teams eye their first NBA championship.
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