The Minnesota Timberwolves are set to open the second round of the Western Conference playoffs against the Golden State Warriors. Game one is scheduled for Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. EDT in Minneapolis.
Golden State held a 3-1 advantage over Minnesota during the regular season. Their last meeting on January 16 ended with the Warriors winning 116-115. Stephen Curry led Golden State with 31 points in that contest, while Anthony Edwards scored 28 for the Timberwolves.
Both teams advanced from the first round after matchups against opponents with distinct limitations. The Warriors defeated the Houston Rockets in seven games, exploiting their inability to generate consistent half-court offense. The Minnesota Timberwolves won their series against the Los Angeles Lakers in five games, overcoming a team driven by individual shot-creation but lacking size and depth.
This second-round series could serve as a test for both clubs, offering a look at their championship potential against a more balanced opponent before potentially facing the Thunder in the Western Conference finals, as they are seen as perfect title contention measuring sticks for one another. The Warriors just beat a bully ball team, but the Timberwolves used bully ball against the Lakers with players like Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid, and Julius Randle.
Minnesota finished the regular season sixth in the Western Conference with a 49-33 record, including a 33-19 mark in conference play. They rank fifth in the NBA averaging 15.0 made 3-pointers per game. Edwards leads the team in made threes, averaging 4.1 per game.
Golden State ended the regular season seventh in the conference at 48-34, with a 29-23 record against Western Conference teams. The Warriors rank eighth in the league in scoring defense, allowing 110.5 points per game while holding opponents to 46.5% shooting. The Timberwolves shoot 46.8% from the field, slightly better than what Golden State allows.
Top performers for Minnesota include Randle, who averages 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. Edwards has averaged 29.2 points over his last 10 games. For the Warriors, Curry averages 24.5 points and six assists. Jimmy Butler has averaged 19.2 points and 5.2 assists over the past 10 games.
Recent performance favors the Timberwolves, who went 8-2 in their last 10 games, averaging 112.8 points. The Warriors went 5-5 in their last 10, averaging 106.1 points. Golden State completed a taxing seven-game series, which could present a physical challenge as they quickly turn around to begin the series against Minnesota.
Players listed on the injury report include Rob Dillingham for Minnesota (day to day, ankle) and Gary Payton II for Golden State (day to day, illness). The series will continue after game one, with both teams aiming to prove their readiness for a deeper playoff run against a more versatile opponent than faced in the first round.
