Warriors vs Timberwolves predictions
With Stephen Curry officially sidelined due to a hamstring strain, the Golden State Warriors will have to dig deep and look to their supporting cast for scoring and leadership. Draymond Green will likely shoulder more of the offensive load—expect him to flirt with a double-double as he racks up rebounds and keeps the offense flowing with sharp passes. Jonathan Kuminga’s versatility should be on full display, possibly leading the team in points while also crashing the glass and showing off his athleticism on both ends. In the backcourt, Brandin Podziemski and Buddy Hield could get extended minutes, and both have the tools to punish Minnesota if they’re left open on the perimeter. Jimmy Butler, meanwhile, might surprise with an all-around stat line as he brings grit on defense and chips in across categories.
On the flip side, the Minnesota Timberwolves come in hungry to close out the series on their home floor at Target Center. Anthony Edwards is set to put on a show—he’s been lighting it up all series and looks poised to push past the 28-point mark again, mixing aggressive drives with some highlight reels. Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels should play crucial roles, with Randle potentially filling up the box score across points, boards, and assists, while McDaniels has the tools to make an impact defensively and hit timely shots. Rudy Gobert is always a factor on the boards, and if he gets going early, Golden State might find themselves in trouble in the paint. Keep an eye on Mike Conley, too—his steady hand running the Timberwolves’ offense could make a big difference in crunch time.
When it comes down to picking a winner, the momentum appears to lean heavily towards Minnesota. Playing in front of their own fans and with so many weapons firing right now, the Timberwolves have multiple paths to win this game—even if the Warriors bring their best effort. Golden State’s resilience is legendary, but without Curry, pulling off a road upset against a deep and motivated Minnesota squad feels like a tall order. Expect the Timberwolves to close out the series in Game 5 and punch their ticket to the next round. What do you think—can the Warriors pull off the impossible, or is the Target Center set to erupt in celebration tonight?