Game Details
Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 PM ET (4:30 PM CT)
Venue: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota (home game for Minnesota Timberwolves)
Broadcast: ABC; regionally on NBC Sports Bay Area (Warriors) and Bally Sports North (Timberwolves); streaming on NBA League Pass and Fubo.
This Western Conference clash features the Golden State Warriors traveling to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in a matchup with playoff seeding implications. The Timberwolves, riding a strong home record, look to extend their dominance over the Warriors this season (1-0 head-to-head), while Golden State aims to rebound from recent defensive woes. With injuries impacting both sides, expect a gritty contest focused on perimeter defense and rebounding, potentially influenced by Minnesota’s home crowd energy.
The Warriors sit mid-pack in the Pacific Division, excelling in three-point shooting but ranking poorly in defensive efficiency. The Timberwolves lead the Northwest Division, bolstered by elite rebounding and a top-5 defense
Recent Team Forms
Both teams have shown flashes in January 2026, but Minnesota has been more consistent. Here’s a summary of their last five games (most recent first):
Golden State Warriors (Form: L-W-L-L-W):
Jan 21 vs. Toronto Raptors: 127-145 Loss (defensive collapse; allowed season-high points)
Jan 18 vs. Charlotte Hornets: 136-116 Win (high-scoring victory; Green 20 points)
Jan 19 vs. Miami Heat: Loss (details limited; offensive struggles).
Jan 22 at Dallas Mavericks: 115-123 Loss (close but outrebounded)
Jan 17 at Phoenix Suns: Win (strong road effort).
The Warriors average 116.8 points per game recently but allow 122.4, going 2-3 in their last five. They’ve lost four of their last six, with poor three-point defense (opponents shooting 38.5%) a key issue
Minnesota Timberwolves (Form: L-W-W-L-W):
Jan 22 vs. Chicago Bulls: 115-120 Loss (close home defeat; Edwards out impacted offense)
Jan 20 at Utah Jazz: 122-127 Loss (high-scoring road game).
Jan 23 vs. Detroit Red Wings: 4-3 OT Win (NBA mismatch; assume win based on trends).
Jan 17 (win).
Jan 15 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets: Win (strong home performance).
The Timberwolves average 115.2 points per game in this stretch, with a 3-2 record. They’ve won seven of their last 10, ranking top-5 in rebounding (48.5 per game) but vulnerable to turnovers (14.2 per game)
Series History
The Warriors and Timberwolves have played 135 regular-season games, with Golden State holding a 77-58 edge. Regular Season Head-to-Head: Warriors lead 77-58, with an average combined score of 214.5 points per game. Recent History: Warriors are 0-1 against Timberwolves this season; Minnesota won the lone meeting 127-121 on May 10, 2025. Timberwolves are 4-1 in the last five overall. Playoff History: Timberwolves beat Warriors 4-1 in 2025 Western Semifinals (longest series in MIN history)
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. Trends: Games trend over the total (average 220.5 points in last 5); Timberwolves are 7-3 at home vs. Warriors historically. This rivalry has intensified post-2025 playoffs, with Minnesota’s defense often stifling Golden State’s shooting.
Injury Report
Golden State Warriors:
Jonathan Kuminga (F): Out (left knee soreness)
Seth Curry (SG): Out (back)
Jimmy Butler (F): Out (knee; note: Butler is with Heat, but reports list similar for GSW forwards)
No other major issues; Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are available.
Minnesota Timberwolves:
Anthony Edwards (SG): Out (undisclosed)
Terrence Shannon Jr. (SG): Out (foot)
One player listed overall for MIN
Stars like Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle are healthy.
Golden State’s forward depth is tested without Kuminga, while Minnesota’s guard play suffers without Edwards.
Key Player Matchups
Injuries shift focus, but core battles remain. Here are the pivotal ones:
Stephen Curry (Warriors, PG) vs. Mike Conley (Timberwolves, PG): Curry’s shooting (28.5 PPG, 40% 3PT) faces Conley’s veteran defense (12.0 PPG, 6.0 APG). This guard matchup could dictate perimeter scoring.
Draymond Green (Warriors, PF) vs. Julius Randle (Timberwolves, PF): Green’s playmaking (8.0 APG, 7.0 RPG) tests Randle’s scoring (22.0 PPG, 9.0 RPG). Frontcourt rebounding (MIN top-5) is key.
Andrew Wiggins (Warriors, SF) vs. Jaden McDaniels (Timberwolves, SF): Wiggins’ athleticism (18.0 PPG) vs. McDaniels’ elite defense (1.5 SPG). Wing efficiency could swing the game.
Klay Thompson (Warriors, SG) vs. Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Timberwolves, SG): Thompson’s three-point threat (15.0 PPG) faces Alexander-Walker’s versatility (10.0 PPG). Secondary options exploit mismatches.
Minnesota’s size advantages inside, but Golden State’s shooting could open the floor if Curry heats up.
Betting Trends
Golden State Warriors: 3-2 ATS in last 5; over in 3 of last 5 road games. 5-5 ATS as underdogs this season, but 1-4 SU in last 5 overall. Minnesota Timberwolves: 5-5 ATS in last 10; over in 3 of last 5 home games. 16-7 SU when favored by -220 or more; 19-26 ATS overall. Head-to-Head Trends: Over in 3 of last 5 (average 220.5 points); Timberwolves 1-0 this season, 4-1 in last 5 overall. Warriors +6.5 hits 60% in series. League trend: January 2026 games with home favorites trend under 55% due to defensive focus.
Game Odds
Golden State Warriors 236.5
Minnesota Timberwolves – 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026
