On May 8, 2025, the Golden State Warriors will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of their Western Conference Semifinal series at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Warriors stunned the Timberwolves in Game 1 with a 99-88 victory, despite Stephen Curry exiting early with a hamstring strain. Minnesota will look to bounce back and even the series before heading to San Francisco.
Series Overview
| Team | Seed | Regular Season Record | Playoff Record | Last 5 Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden State Warriors | 7 | 44-38 | 5-3 | W-W-L-W-W |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 6 | 47-35 | 5-2 | L-W-W-W-W |
Golden State entered the playoffs as the No. 7 seed, upsetting the No. 2 Houston Rockets in a grueling seven-game series. Minnesota, the No. 6 seed, dominated the Los Angeles Lakers in five games, showcasing their defensive prowess.
Key Players to Watch
- Golden State Warriors
- Stephen Curry – Averaged 28.8 PPG against Minnesota in the regular season but is day-to-day with a hamstring injury.
- Buddy Hield – Stepped up in Game 1, scoring 24 points on 5-for-8 from three-point range.
- Draymond Green – Provided 18 points and defensive leadership, helping Golden State control the tempo.
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- Anthony Edwards – Struggled in Game 1, but remains Minnesota’s primary offensive weapon.
- Julius Randle – Key to Minnesota’s size advantage, averaging 22.5 PPG in the playoffs.
- Jaden McDaniels – Tasked with defending Curry, having spent 28:40 matched up against him in the regular season.
Tactical Breakdown
- Golden State’s Approach: The Warriors will likely lean on their small-ball lineup, featuring Curry (if available), Buddy Hield, Brandin Podziemski, Jimmy Butler III, and Draymond Green at center. Their ability to space the floor and push the pace will be crucial.
- Minnesota’s Strategy: The Timberwolves will utilize their size, with Rudy Gobert, Randle, and McDaniels posing matchup problems for Golden State. Expect them to attack the paint and dominate the boards.
Game Details
- Date: May 8, 2025
- Location: Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
- Tip-Off: 8:30 PM EST
- Broadcast: TNT
With Golden State holding a 1-0 series lead, Minnesota must adjust defensively and find offensive rhythm to avoid falling into a 0-2 hole before heading to Chase Center. Will the Warriors continue their underdog run, or will the Timberwolves respond?
Game Odds
Golden State Warriors 201.5
Minnesota Timberwolves – 10.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, May 7, 2025
