Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
The stakes are rising quickly in the Western Conference Semifinals as the Minnesota Timberwolves host the Golden State Warriors for Game 2 tonight at the Target Center. Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. ET on TNT, with Minnesota desperate to even the series after a disappointing Game 1 performance — and with the Warriors now confirmed to be without superstar Stephen Curry.
Golden State leads the series 1-0 after a stunning 99-88 road win in Game 1, thanks to a collective effort from veterans Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green and a breakout game from Buddy Hield, who poured in 24 points and nailed timely three-pointers in Curry’s absence. Curry suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain in the opener and is expected to be re-evaluated in a week, leaving the Warriors to rely on their depth and defense to hold off a hungry Timberwolves squad.
Minnesota, meanwhile, struggled mightily from deep — hitting just 7-of-47 from beyond the arc in Game 1. Anthony Edwards, their offensive engine, was held to just one point in the first half before finishing with a team-high 23 points. Julius Randle added 18 points and six assists, but the Timberwolves’ offense never found its rhythm against Golden State’s zone defense.
“We just have to be better,” Edwards said postgame. “I’ve got to set the tone earlier, and we’ve got to hit shots — plain and simple.”
Odds & Trends
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Timberwolves enter Game 2 as 10.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 201 points. Despite the Game 1 loss, oddsmakers and analysts alike still favor Minnesota to win the series (-200), citing their superior depth and expected shooting regression to the mean.
The Warriors, however, have been resilient without Curry in the past and are 27-19 on the road this season — including the playoffs. They’ll look for Hield to continue his hot streak, although betting models are skeptical he can sustain that level of production. The best bet tonight? Many analysts suggest taking Hield under 15.5 points, anticipating defensive adjustments from the Wolves.
What to Watch For
Can Anthony Edwards start strong? After a quiet first half in Game 1, Edwards needs to come out aggressive if the Wolves want to avoid heading to San Francisco down 0-2.
Will Buddy Hield stay hot? He’s been a spark plug recently, but Minnesota is expected to clamp down defensively.
How do the Warriors adapt without Curry? With Butler and Green as leaders, and Hield providing spacing, Golden State is embracing a gritty, defensive identity.
Prediction
While the Warriors surprised many in Game 1, repeating that performance without Curry will be difficult against a Timberwolves team eager to respond at home. Expect a tighter contest, but look for Minnesota to correct their shooting woes and level the series.
Prediction: Timberwolves 108, Warriors 96
