Golden State (1-0) at Minnesota (0-1)
- When: May 8 2025, 8:30 PM
- Where: Target Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- TV: TNT
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors Game 2 Preview and Predictions
Spread: Timberwolves (-10.5) | Total: 201.5
The Minnesota Timberwolves are set to host the Golden State Warriors in Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal matchup. Golden State took the series opener, but the loss of Stephen Curry to a hamstring injury looms large as they attempt to pull off another road win. Minnesota, meanwhile, aims to even the series before it shifts to San Francisco for Games 3 and 4.
Golden State Warriors Overview
The Warriors managed to secure a Game 1 victory on the road, but their task becomes significantly harder with Stephen Curry sidelined due to a left hamstring injury suffered in the second quarter. Curry managed to put up 13 points in just 13 minutes before leaving the game, and his absence will likely stretch for at least a week. Despite Curry’s importance to the team where the Warriors have gone 104-51 with him and 8-3 without him in the playoffs—head coach Steve Kerr remains confident.
“We’ve adapted before, and we’ll do it again,” Kerr stated. Much of that confidence is tied to Jimmy Butler, who joined the Warriors in February and nearly posted a triple-double in Game 1 with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists. Kerr emphasized that Butler will carry more responsibility offensively, but the team also needs to execute better across the board.
With Curry out, Buddy Hield and Brandin Podziemski are expected to step up. Hield led all Warriors with 24 points in Game 1, while Podziemski struggled, shooting just 1 of 7 from the field. For Golden State to cover the spread, they will need Hield to stay hot and Podziemski to bounce back.
Minnesota Timberwolves Overview
Minnesota is determined to bounce back after a rusty performance in Game 1. Following a five-day layoff, the Timberwolves looked out of sync early, falling behind by 23 points before rallying to cut the deficit to single digits. Anthony Edwards had a quiet first half, scoring just one point, but showed flashes of life late. Edwards acknowledged the need for a stronger start, not just for himself but for the entire team.
“Every one of us has to step up,” Edwards said after the loss. He shot 9 of 22 and managed just one three-pointer in the opener, a number he’ll look to improve in Game 2. Minnesota will also be counting on better contributions from Donte DiVincenzo (3 of 11 shooting) and Mike Conley (0 for 5), both of whom struggled to find their rhythm.
Additionally, Julius Randle, who chipped in 18 points but only grabbed three rebounds, is looking to make a bigger impact on the boards. “I can’t walk away from that game with just three rebounds. I’ve got to be better,” Randle admitted. His physicality and presence inside will be crucial if Minnesota hopes to cover the -10.5 spread.
Player Prop Picks:
Anthony Edwards – Over 27.5 Points: After a slow start in Game 1, Edwards is primed to bounce back with a strong offensive showing.
Julius Randle – Over 6.5 Rebounds: Randle acknowledged his lack of presence on the boards and is expected to respond with a more aggressive rebounding effort in Game 2.
Prediction and Final Score
Minnesota has the clear advantage with Curry sidelined, especially with home-court momentum and a deeper rotation. Expect the Timberwolves to come out more aggressive, clean up their shooting, and control the glass. Golden State will fight, but without Curry’s scoring and floor spacing, it’s hard to see them keeping up for four quarters.
Spread: Look for Minnesota to cover the -10.5 spread
Total:
The Under 201.5 likely to hit, as both teams focus on defensive adjustments.
Final Score Prediction: Timberwolves 106, Warriors 93
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
