Golden State Warriors vs Minnesota Timberwolves Game Preview
The Golden State Warriors open a two-game set in Minneapolis against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday at 5:30 PM ET at Target Center (ABC). Both teams are searching for traction: Golden State is adjusting without Jimmy Butler, and Minnesota is trying to stop a four-game slide before the rematch on Monday.
This is the kind of spot where game script matters. If the Warriors keep it organized and make Minnesota execute in the half court, they can stay inside the number. If the Wolves win the effort categories early—rebounds, loose balls, second chances—this can turn into a separation game by the fourth.
Golden State Warriors vs Minnesota Timberwolves Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden State Warriors | +190 | +6.5 (-114) | O 234.5 (-110) |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | -232 | -6.5 (-108) | U 234.5 (-110) |
Golden State Warriors Betting Form
Golden State’s margin has tightened since the Butler injury because the offense has to be more Curry-centric. That’s not a problem in short bursts—Stephen Curry can still carry any matchup—but the Warriors need consistent secondary scoring so opponents can’t load up late.
The path to covering is pretty clean: limit live-ball turnovers, win enough of the non-Curry minutes to avoid a run, and keep Minnesota from getting comfortable downhill. If the Warriors are trading twos for threes and not giving away transition, they can hang in this number.
Injury Report: Jimmy Butler (ACL) remains out. Jonathan Kuminga is out.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Form
Minnesota is better than the current streak, but the last few games have featured too many lapses—slow starts, stretches where the ball stalls, and defensive possessions that end with second chances. The Wolves still have the high-end scoring and physicality to flip a game quickly, but they need to sustain it longer than a few hot minutes.
Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle can both take over, and Minnesota’s best look here is building an early edge with defense and rebounding, then forcing Golden State to chase with thinner creation behind Curry.
Injury Report: monitor any late availability updates, especially with this being Game 1 of a quick back-to-back style set in the same building.
Golden State Warriors vs Minnesota Timberwolves Matchup Breakdown
This matchup comes down to two things:
- Can Minnesota punish the non-Curry minutes? If the Wolves win those stretches, covering becomes realistic because they won’t need perfection late.
- Can Golden State generate enough clean threes? The Warriors can live inside +6.5 if they’re getting quality looks (not late-clock heaves) and keeping their turnover count under control.
- Pace and total: 234.5 is reachable if Minnesota scores efficiently early and the game opens. If Golden State drags this into half-court possessions and forces Minnesota to execute, the under becomes more viable.
Minnesota already won the first meeting this season, and the “two-game set” angle matters: you usually see more tactical adjustments, less randomness, and more emphasis on what each team can reliably repeat.
Golden State Warriors vs Minnesota Timberwolves Predictions and Best Bets
Minnesota is the better, healthier team right now, but this is a big number in a matchup where Golden State can still control style through pace and shot profile. If Curry keeps the offense functional and the Warriors avoid the turnovers that fuel Wolves runs, the cover is live even if Minnesota wins.
Best Bet: Warriors +6.5 (-114).
Picks and Handicappers
If you’re playing the Saturday slate, start with NBA picks to compare sides and totals across the board, then use the NBA previews hub to keep your card consistent with matchup context and scheduling spots. Keep NBA scores and odds open close to tip—this league moves fast when lineup news hits and the best number is often about timing. If you want to tighten your process on spreads, totals, and when to attack the market, the NBA expert betting guide is the cleanest framework to follow. From there, check form and long-term performance on the handicappers leaderboard, and if you want consistent volume across the week, you can buy picks and build your card around repeatable edges instead of chasing results.


