Timberwolves vs. Warriors: A Western Conference Semifinal Showdown Preview

The 2025 NBA playoffs are heating up, and the Western Conference semifinals promise an electrifying clash between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors. This series is brimming with compelling narratives: Stephen Curry versus Anthony Edwards, Jimmy Butler facing a former team, and the renewed rivalry of Draymond Green and Rudy Gobert. As the No. 6 and No. 7 seeds, respectively, this rare matchup pits two teams eager to challenge the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder for conference supremacy.

The Timberwolves’ journey to this stage involved a decisive upset of the Los Angeles Lakers in five games, while the Warriors battled their way past the Houston Rockets in a hard-fought seven-game series. Notably, these two teams did not face each other during the regular season after the Warriors acquired Jimmy Butler in a mid-season trade.

While the Warriors, led by Curry and a reassembled core including Butler and Green, possess a wealth of experience, the Timberwolves boast a formidable frontcourt, undeniable momentum, and the ascendant star power of Anthony Edwards. These factors have swayed experts and oddsmakers alike, positioning Minnesota as the favorites to advance to the conference finals.

Experts Lean Towards Timberwolves

All four NBA experts at USA TODAY Sports have picked the Minnesota Timberwolves to emerge victorious in their 2025 NBA playoff series against the Golden State Warriors. Lorenzo Reyes and James Williams predict a Timberwolves triumph in six games, while Heather Tucker and Jeff Zillgitt foresee a more protracted battle, with Minnesota prevailing in seven games.

The experts highlight the Warriors’ struggles against size, particularly in their first-round series against Houston, where Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams posed significant challenges. Now, Golden State must contend with a Timberwolves team featuring Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, and the imposing presence of Naz Reid off the bench. The Timberwolves’ sheer size is expected to create substantial problems for the Warriors.

Furthermore, the experts note that unlike the Rockets, who lacked a reliable closer, Anthony Edwards is more than capable of seizing control in critical moments. In the playoffs, the saying often holds true: the team with the best player wins. In this case, it’s difficult to argue against Edwards, even when sharing the court with a legend like Curry.

Another prevailing trend in the playoffs is that the hottest team often triumphs. Again, the advantage seems to lie with the Timberwolves. Both teams defeated higher seeds to reach this point, but the Wolves looked more dominant in their series. With their stifling defense, impressive depth, and the dynamic presence of Anthony Edwards, they appear poised for a deep playoff run.

Game 1 Odds and Broadcast Information

According to BetMGM (odds as of Monday, May 5), the Minnesota Timberwolves are favored to take a 1-0 lead over the Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinals series.

The Western Conference semifinals series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors begins with Game 1 on Tuesday, May 6 at the Target Center in Minneapolis. The game will be broadcast nationally on TNT and truTV and can be streamed via Sling TV and Max.

Key Storylines and Matchups

• Stephen Curry vs. Anthony Edwards: This is a clash of generations and styles. Curry, the established superstar and two-time MVP, faces Edwards, the rising star with the potential to become the face of the NBA. Their individual performances and head-to-head matchups will be crucial in determining the series’ outcome.

• Jimmy Butler vs. Former Team: Butler’s arrival in Golden State adds another layer of intrigue to this series. He now faces a team he once led, and his experience and leadership will be vital for the Warriors. His familiarity with the Timberwolves’ personnel could give the Warriors an edge.

• Draymond Green vs. Rudy Gobert: The history between Green and Gobert is well-documented. Their physical battles and trash talk will undoubtedly add intensity to the series. Green’s defensive versatility and Gobert’s rim protection will be key factors in their team’s success.

• Timberwolves’ Frontcourt Dominance: The Timberwolves’ size advantage is undeniable. Randle, Gobert, and Reid provide a formidable presence in the paint, both offensively and defensively. The Warriors will need to find ways to mitigate their impact.

• Warriors’ Experience: The Warriors have been to the NBA Finals multiple times and know what it takes to win in the playoffs. Their experience could be a deciding factor, especially in close games.

Series Prediction

While the Warriors possess the experience and championship pedigree, the Timberwolves’ size, momentum, and the emergence of Anthony Edwards make them the favorites in this series. The Timberwolves’ frontcourt will present significant challenges for the Warriors, and Edwards’ ability to take over games will be difficult to contain.

Prediction: Timberwolves in 6 or 7 games.

Schedule

Here’s the updated schedule for Warriors vs. Timberwolves. All times listed are Eastern.

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