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At 8:30 ET, the Timberwolves (-527) will host the Warriors (+397) at the Target Center. Minnesota is favored by 10.5 points, and the over/under line is set at 201.5.
Golden State is currently on a two-game win streak and is 48-34 overall. They are 7th in the Western Conference and 3rd in the Pacific Division. As for the Timberwolves, they are 49-33 and 6th in the West. They are 3rd in the Northwest Division.
Warriors vs. Timberwolves Key Information
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Golden State Warriors at Minnesota Timberwolves
- Where: Minneapolis at Target Center
- Date: Thursday, May 8th
- Betting Odds MIN -10.5, GS +397 | MIN -527 O/U 201.5
The Warriors Can Win If…
Golden State improved to 48-34 on the season with a 99-88 road win over the Timberwolves on Tuesday. The Warriors, who were +6.5 point underdogs, not only won but also covered the spread. The game’s total of 187 points fell well short of the 210-point line.
After a 10-0 run by Minnesota early on, the Warriors responded by holding the Timberwolves to just 11 points in the 2nd quarter. Golden State then put up 36 points in the 3rd quarter, building an 80-60 lead heading into the 4th. Despite a late push by Minnesota, the Warriors held on for the win.
In their 99-88 win over the Timberwolves, the Warriors shot just 39.1% from the field, but their three-point shooting was a bright spot, hitting 18 threes at a 42.9% clip. Buddy Hield led the way with 5 made threes, shooting 62.5% from deep and finishing with a team-high 24 points.
Hield did most of his damage in the 3rd quarter, scoring 16 points, while Draymond Green added 14 of his 18 points in the 2nd quarter. Jimmy Butler contributed 20 points, with 7 coming in both the 3rd and 4th quarters.
The Warriors put on a defensive clinic on Tuesday, holding the Timberwolves to just 88 points. They were especially dominant in the 2nd quarter, where they allowed only 11 points. Overall, Golden State limited Minnesota to 39% shooting from the field.
From beyond the arc, the Warriors were even more impressive, giving up just 5 threes on 17% shooting. They also recorded 10 steals and 2 blocks in the game.
- The Warriors are 3-2 ATS in their last road games and 3-2 straight-up.
- In their last three games as the betting underdog, the Warriors have a strong straight up record of 2-1. In addition, their ATS record was 2-1 in these scenarios.
- Over their last five games, the Warriors have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 2-3 vs. the spread.
The Timberwolves Can Win If…
The Timberwolves fell to 49-33 on the season after a 99-88 home loss to the Warriors on Tuesday. Minnesota, who entered the game as 6.5-point favorites, failed to cover the spread. The combined score of 187 points was well below the O/U line of 210.
After a 10-0 run early in the game, the Timberwolves struggled, scoring just 11 points in the 2nd quarter while allowing 26. They trailed 80-60 going into the 4th but managed to outscore the Warriors 28-19 in the final period.
The Timberwolves struggled offensively in their 99-88 loss to the Warriors, shooting just 39.5% from the field and hitting only 5 threes at a 17.2% clip. Anthony Edwards led the way with 23 points and 14 rebounds, scoring 13 points in the 4th quarter.
Naz Reid added 19 points, knocking down 3 threes at 42.9%, and Julius Randle contributed 18 points and 6 assists, despite shooting 36.4%. Reid scored 8 points in the final period, while Randle added 4 in the 4th.
Despite a strong defensive effort, the Timberwolves couldn’t overcome the Warriors, giving up 99 points in a 99-88 loss. Minnesota held Golden State to just 18 points in the 1st quarter and 19 in the 4th, but a 36-point 3rd quarter proved costly. Overall, the Timberwolves limited the Warriors to 39% shooting from the field.
Minnesota struggled to contain the Warriors from beyond the arc, allowing 18 threes on 42% shooting. The Timberwolves sent Golden State to the line 15 times, where they made 13 free throws. Defensively, Minnesota recorded 7 steals and 6 blocks in the game.
- Minnesota has played well in their previous three home games, going 2-1 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 101 points per game while allowing 95. The team also performed well vs the spread at 2-1.
- In their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Timberwolves have a straight up record of 8-2 and an ATS mark of 6-4.
- In their last three games, the Timberwolves have an over/under record of 2-1 and are 2-1 vs. the spread.
The Lean
For today’s matchup we are recommending to take the Timberwolves to secure the win, with an expected final score of 126-105. When it comes to the spread, we believe they’ll cover at -10.5.
As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 201.5, and our model projects the Warriors and Timberwolves to reach a combined total of 231 points. Our bet is on taking the over.
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Warriors Face Game 2 Without Curry: Who Steps Up Against the Timberwolves?
The Warriors face a huge test in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals as they take the floor without their superstar, Stephen Curry. A left hamstring injury in Game 1 pulled him from action early, and he’s expected to miss at least a week. That’s a massive shift for a team that’s used to having the two-time MVP lead the way.
Still, Golden State carries a 1-0 series lead into Thursday’s game in Minneapolis, looking to grab another road win before heading home.
Curry’s absence opens the door for new heroes—and Coach Steve Kerr says the team is ready.
“We’ve done this before. We can do it again,” Kerr said. That confidence is rooted in a proven playoff core, elite coaching, and some intriguing midseason additions.
Check NBA playoff odds for Warriors vs. Timberwolves Game 2.
Jimmy Butler Takes the Reins
With Curry sidelined, Jimmy Butler becomes the focal point of the Warriors’ offense. Since joining the team in a trade from the Miami Heat, Butler has brought toughness and versatility. In Game 1, he nearly had a triple-double with 20 points, 11 boards, and 8 assists.
Coach Kerr confirmed they’ll run the offense through Jimmy, but also emphasized ball movement: “We can’t just rely on him to create every shot. Everyone’s got to execute.”
Explore Pacific Division playoff scenarios
Buddy Hield’s Hot Hand
Buddy Hield lit up the scoreboard in Game 1, leading all players with 24 points. He’s the Warriors’ most dangerous perimeter weapon with Curry out, and his ability to stretch the floor is critical against Minnesota’s size.
Look for Golden State to draw up early plays to get Hield going from deep, especially if the Timberwolves sag off to protect the paint.
Podziemski’s Chance at Redemption
Rookie Brandin Podziemski struggled in Game 1, shooting just 1-of-7 and missing four of five 3-point attempts. But his energy, passing, and hustle have kept him in Kerr’s rotation all season. Don’t be surprised if he gets a quick hook if he starts cold—but also don’t be shocked if he breaks out.
The NBA Most Improved Player race is full of young guys like him. See this breakdown for similar emerging names.
Timberwolves Need a Reset
Anthony Edwards is Minnesota’s engine, but he looked off in Game 1—scoring just 1 point in the first half and finishing 9-of-22 from the field. To even the series, he’ll need a bounce-back performance and better support from the Timberwolves’ guards.
“I’ve got to play better. We all do,” Edwards admitted postgame.
Support Needs to Show Up
Veterans Mike Conley and Donte DiVincenzo went ice-cold in Game 1, shooting a combined 3-of-16. They’ll need to find their rhythm quickly if the Timberwolves want to open up space for Edwards and Julius Randle in the paint.
Julius Randle’s Rebound Mission
Speaking of Randle, he had 18 points in Game 1 but only three rebounds. He owned it: “I can’t have three rebounds in 30 minutes. I’ve got to be better.”
Rebounding will be vital in Game 2. The Warriors don’t have a traditional center, so Randle has a chance to dominate the glass and push transition opportunities.
Track NBA rebounds leader predictions
Warriors’ Path to a 2-0 Lead
Golden State’s strategy without Curry includes:
- Running the offense through Butler
- Letting Hield and other shooters fire freely
- Trusting young players to step up
- Keeping defensive intensity high
Check NBA team profiles for breakdowns of depth charts and upcoming matchups.
The real X-factor? The Warriors’ playoff pedigree. They’ve won big games without Curry before, and their 8-3 record without him in the postseason proves it.
Want smarter bets? Visit the NBA Expert Betting Guide.
FAQs
Will Stephen Curry play in Game 2?
- No. He’s out with a left hamstring injury and expected to miss at least a week.
Who leads the Warriors’ offense now?
- Jimmy Butler is taking the lead role, with Buddy Hield handling more shot attempts.
What’s the series score?
- Warriors lead the Timberwolves 1-0 after winning Game 1 on the road.
How did Anthony Edwards perform in Game 1?
- He scored 9-of-22 from the field with only 1 point in the first half. He’ll need to step up.
What are the Timberwolves’ keys to winning Game 2?
- Better shooting from the backcourt and dominant rebounding from Julius Randle.
Where can I find odds for the NBA Championship?
- Check out the NBA Championship Odds blog for full playoff futures.
