Minnesota (1-1) at Golden State (1-1)
- When: May 10 2025, 8:30 PM
- Where: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
- TV: ABC
Timberwolves vs. Warriors – Game 3 Preview, Prediction, and Player Props
Spread: Timberwolves -5.5 | Total: 200.5
The Western Conference semifinals shift to San Francisco as the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors clash for Game 3 of their best-of-seven series. Both teams split the first two games in Minneapolis, setting the stage for a pivotal showdown on Saturday night. The Timberwolves are looking to extend their dominance on the road this postseason, while the Warriors hope to rediscover their groove at Chase Center.
Minnesota Timberwolves Overview
The Timberwolves have thrived in enemy territory during these playoffs. After pulling off an upset against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round, Minnesota seized control with a convincing 4-1 series win, including a decisive Game 5 clincher in L.A. That road prowess continued as they managed a split in Minneapolis to maintain the upper hand against the Warriors.
Minnesota’s offense was firing on all cylinders in Game 2, cruising to a 117-93 win behind standout performances from Julius Randle and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Randle dropped 24 points and 11 assists, while Alexander-Walker chipped in with 20 points. Most importantly, Anthony Edwards shook off an ankle scare in the second quarter to return and help seal the victory. His resilience is a massive boost for the Timberwolves, as his presence is crucial to their offensive flow.
Minnesota’s ability to create offensive opportunities and capitalize on turnovers could be the deciding factor in Game 3. If they can keep Golden State’s revamped lineup in check, another strong road performance is certainly within reach.
Player Prop Pick:
Julius Randle Over 19.5 Points (+110) – Randle has been a force in this series and should continue to exploit Golden State’s thin interior defense.
Anthony Edwards Over 7.5 Rebounds – With his ankle scare behind him, Edwards should be aggressive on the boards as Minnesota aims to control the paint.
Golden State Warriors Overview
The Warriors find themselves in a familiar position—backs against the wall and playing without Stephen Curry. The sharpshooter re-injured his hamstring in Game 1 and was absent during Golden State’s 117-93 loss in Game 2. Curry is already ruled out for Games 3 and 4, leaving a massive void in the Warriors’ backcourt.
Without Curry, coach Steve Kerr was forced to experiment with different rotations, and it yielded some promising results. Jonathan Kuminga emerged as a surprise contributor, scoring 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting, while Trayce Jackson-Davis added 15 points and six rebounds off the bench. Kerr hinted that both players will be heavily involved again as the Warriors look to patch up their offense in Curry’s absence.
Golden State’s challenge lies in finding consistency and avoiding the turnovers that plagued them in Game 2. They will also need Jimmy Butler to step up as a primary scoring option to keep pace with Minnesota’s firepower. The Warriors have been resilient at home, but without Curry, they’ll need a near-flawless performance to steal Game 3.
Player Prop Pick:
Jimmy Butler Over 22.5 Points – Butler will need to shoulder the scoring load with Curry sidelined, and expect him to be aggressive from the jump.
Jonathan Kuminga Over 0.5 Three-Pointers Made – With his confidence growing, Kuminga is likely to get more opportunities from deep.
Prediction and Final Score
The Timberwolves have proven they can handle hostile environments, and with Curry out, the Warriors are struggling to find rhythm. Minnesota’s depth and defensive intensity should be enough to edge out Golden State on their home court.
Spread: Timberwolves should cover the -5.5 spread
Total:
The Under 200.5 looks appealing with Curry’s offensive firepower missing from the Warriors’ lineup.
Final Score Prediction: Timberwolves 103, Warriors 94
Expect Minnesota to take control of the series with a gritty road win.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
