Injury Report, Updated Odds (12/26): Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Oklahoma City Thunder has an opportunity to help its case in the Western Conference Standings on Tuesday. They host the top-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves as two of the top three teams in the Western Conference are squaring off.

Coming off a loss, the Thunder could do itself a favor in the standings with a win. While they can't climb to No. 2, they can close the gap between themselves and the two teams ahead of them.

The Timberwolves have plenty of depth at the big-man positions and will test the Thunder with a stout defense and plenty of height. The Thunder has a chance to come away with a bounce-back, statement win in this one.

Injury Report

Thunder:

Jalen Williams, Available (Illness)

Josh Giddey, Available (Ankle)

Timberwolves:

Karl-Anthony Towns, Questionable (Knee)

Jaylen Clark, OUT (Achilles)

Having Josh Giddey back and healthy could be huge for the Thunder, especially if Jalen Williams isn't good to go. Before suffering an ankle injury a couple of games back, Giddey was having arguably the best game of his season. If he can come back to that form with the same aggression and mindset, his impact will be needed in this one.

Williams being out would add to pressure for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren to both provide big impacts in this one, as Williams is typically the second or third option. Also, it'll be interesting to see whether Cason Wallace or someone else would get the start in his place if he's not able to go.

Karl-Anthony Towns missed the Timberwolves last game with illness, but this time is listed as questionable with knee soreness.

Updated Odds

Opening as a 4.5-point favorite, the Thunder is now a 2.5-point favorite over the Timberwolves. Being at home and potentially facing the Timberwolves with no Towns must be the reason for this. No matter which game the game ends up going, it should be a close, fun game in Oklahoma City tonight.

Want to join the discussion? Like Inside the Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.