Manuel Chávez
Dailysports's expert
Minnesota Timberwolves
Golden State Warriors
The NBA is on the verge of revealing all its conference finalists, and I’ve prepared my prediction for the Minnesota Timberwolves vs Golden State Warriors clash. Will this game be the series decider?
Minnesota Timberwolves
Even before the season tipped off, it was clear Minnesota was playoff-bound and ready to battle in every series. Trading Towns for Randle seemed questionable at first, but the newcomer has integrated seamlessly and is proving to be a real asset.
In the opening round, the Timberwolves weren’t fazed by the Lakers’ star duo of James and Doncic, clinching the series 4-1. Now, with their opponents’ leader sidelined by injury, Minnesota is on the verge of another series win. With home-court advantage, they have every opportunity to close things out in five games.
Golden State Warriors
This season, the Warriors aimed to rebuild, knowing they weren’t true title contenders. Signing Butler was an immediate boost, considering how long he carried the Heat. In the first playoff round, the Warriors edged Houston 4-3, though they could have wrapped things up earlier after leading 3-1.
Golden State opened the Minnesota series with a win, but then dropped three straight. Disaster struck in Game 3 when Steph Curry suffered an injury, ruling him out for the rest of the series. Even without their main star, the Warriors nearly stole Game 4 on home court, leading by four at the start of the final quarter but ultimately falling 97-102.
Match facts
- Minnesota has won 3 of its 4 home playoff games this season.
- Golden State has played six road games in the play-in and playoffs, winning three.
- Here are the odds for the showdown: Home win – 1.18, Away win – 5.
Head-to-head
After four games, Minnesota leads the series 3-1. The contests have been fiercely competitive, though neither team has dazzled on offense.
Prediction
Curry’s absence is clearly reflected in the odds, with bookmakers almost certain Minnesota will win. Still, I believe the Warriors can put up a fight—the last game was proof of that. I’m backing a high-scoring contest here and taking the over 199.5 points.
