The Minnesota Timberwolves host the Golden State Warriors in Game 2 of their Western Conference Semifinal matchup, with Minnesota looking to capitalize on their home-court advantage and rest advantage after eliminating the Lakers in five games.
The Warriors enter as 7-point underdogs despite winning their last three contests against Minnesota, riding momentum from their seven-game series victory over Houston where Buddy Hield erupted for 33 points.
This showdown features a classic contrast of styles: Minnesota's imposing size advantage that troubled the Lakers versus Golden State's championship-tested veterans who aren't intimidated by hostile playoff environments.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors prediction: who will win?
For tonight's Minnesota Timberwolves vs Golden State Warriors matchup, our predictive model gives the Wolves a 57.67% chance of defeating the Dubs.
Pre-game probabilities
Minnesota Timberwolves
Moneyline
Win %
57.67%
42.33%
Golden State Warriors
Minnesota Timberwolves: 57.67% win probability
- Superior defensive efficiency (8962 points allowed vs Warriors' 9060)
- Better recent form with 3 wins in last 5 (WWWLW vs Warriors' LWLWL)
- Home court advantage at Target Center where they've been stronger this season
Golden State Warriors: 42.33% win probability
- Inconsistent road performance (shown in their LWLWL recent form)
- Defensive vulnerability (9060 points allowed, ranking middle of the Western Conference)
- Scoring efficiency issues (9331 points scored compared to Minnesota's 9372 despite similar games played)
At Sporting Post, our unique prediction model brings together insights from top NBA experts. Instead of searching through countless expert analyses online, you can rely on our predictions to capture the market's overall sentiment. We scan trusted sources, analyzing expert picks, data, and trends, while our AI assigns a confidence level to each prediction. These confidence levels are then averaged to generate an 'expert opinion' win probability—providing a data-driven reflection of the collective intelligence of the industry's leading NBA analysts..
| Minnesota Timberwolves | Golden State Warriors | |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline |
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Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors preview
The Warriors arrive at Target Center riding high after their Game 7 triumph over Houston, but they'll face a well-rested Timberwolves squad that dismantled the Lakers in just five games.
Minnesota's size advantage proved problematic for LA, with Rudy Gobert's 27-point, 24-rebound performance in the series clincher highlighting what could be a critical matchup edge against the smaller Warriors frontcourt.
While the Timberwolves haven't lost at home since mid-March and boast a defense allowing just 109.3 points per game (5th in the league), Golden State has quietly won eight of their last ten road contests.
Stephen Curry's 24 points per game will need to counter Anthony Edwards' explosive 26.8-point average, but Buddy Hield's emergence could be the x-factor after his 33-point eruption to close out Houston.
The Warriors have taken the last three meetings between these teams, though Minnesota's six days of rest compared to Golden State's hectic schedule might finally tilt the rivalry in the Timberwolves' favor.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors form
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors head to head
Minnesota Timberwolves
33%
Golden State Warriors
67%
Jan 16, 2025
Minnesota Timberwolves
115 : 116
Golden State Warriors
Dec 22, 2024
Minnesota Timberwolves
103 : 113
Golden State Warriors
Dec 9, 2024
Golden State Warriors
114 : 106
Minnesota Timberwolves
Dec 7, 2024
Golden State Warriors
90 : 107
Minnesota Timberwolves
Mar 24, 2024
Minnesota Timberwolves
114 : 110
Golden State Warriors
Nov 15, 2023
Golden State Warriors
101 : 104
Minnesota Timberwolves
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