Timberwolves, Warriors Ready for Gritty Showdown in Western Semifinals
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (WE) — The 2025 NBA Playoffs have already delivered plenty of surprises, and now two of the West’s most resilient underdogs — the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors — will go head-to-head in a compelling Western Conference Semifinals clash that tips off Tuesday night at Target Center in Minneapolis.
This best-of-seven series is as balanced as any this postseason, pitting the sixth-seeded Timberwolves against the seventh-seeded Warriors — both of whom knocked off higher-seeded opponents in Round 1. The series will begin in Minnesota for Games 1 and 2, before shifting to the Chase Center in San Francisco for Games 3 and 4.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. A trip to the Western Conference Finals awaits the winner, while the loser will be left wondering what could have been in a season full of comeback narratives.
Two Giant Killers Collide
The Timberwolves dispatched the Los Angeles Lakers, the No. 3 seed, in just five games. Their performance was punctuated by an elite display of teamwork, defensive discipline, and the continued emergence of Anthony Edwards as a true NBA superstar.
Meanwhile, the Warriors survived a grueling seven-game series against the No. 2 seed Houston Rockets. They dropped Game 6 at home but rebounded with a dominant 103-89 win in Game 7 in Houston on Sunday night.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr praised his team’s resilience after a brutal series, noting how far the team has come since the trade deadline when the franchise made its biggest move of the season: acquiring Jimmy Butler.
“When I think back to the trade deadline, where we were as a team,” Kerr said, “I’m so proud of these guys for what they’ve accomplished to put us in a position, as Steph says, to play meaningful basketball and give ourselves a chance.”
How They Got Here
Timberwolves’ First-Round Triumph
Minnesota’s Round 1 win over the Lakers was clinical and decisive. Led by Edwards, who averaged 26.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists in the series, the Timberwolves overwhelmed Los Angeles on both ends of the floor.
Perhaps even more impressive than Edwards’ scoring output was his efficiency. The 22-year-old recorded 31 assists with only six turnovers across five games — a remarkable feat for a player handling the ball as much as he does.
Alongside Edwards, Julius Randle continued his strong postseason play, chipping in 22.6 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Jaden McDaniels also stepped up, averaging 17.4 points and taking on the most challenging defensive assignments.
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch spoke highly of his team’s composure and growth during the opening series.
“We’re playing our best basketball right now,” Finch said. “This group has matured a lot over the last year, and the playoff experience from last season is paying off. Now we’ve got another test, and it’s a big one.”
Warriors Survive the Rockets
The Warriors’ first-round journey was far more turbulent. Golden State trailed 3-2 in the series after a disappointing Game 5 road loss, then dropped Game 6 at home before delivering a championship-caliber performance in Game 7.
Stephen Curry was the engine throughout the series, averaging 24 points on 47.1 percent shooting. His leadership was crucial as the team navigated a high-pressure situation, and now the Warriors find themselves back in the conference semifinals one year after a play-in exit.
The biggest difference this time around? Jimmy Butler.
Since Butler’s debut on February 8 against the Chicago Bulls, the Warriors are 24-8, including postseason games. His arrival has helped rejuvenate a team that was treading water in the middle of the standings before his arrival.
Butler averaged 18.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in the first round while providing the kind of two-way presence that has made him one of the most feared postseason players in recent years.
Also stepping up was Buddy Hield, who erupted for 33 points in Game 7 and averaged 16.2 points across the series. Rookie Brandin Podziemski added valuable minutes off the bench, scoring in double figures in four of the seven games.
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Series Preview and Game 1 Breakdown
Tipoff Details
- What: Western Conference Semifinals Game 1: Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
- When: Tuesday, 9:30 PM ET
- Where: Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
- TV: TNT
- Odds: Timberwolves -6.5 | Over/Under: 207.5
Regular Season Recap
The Warriors took the regular-season series 3-1, but all four games came before the Butler trade:
- Dec. 6 @ Golden State – Timberwolves 107, Warriors 90
- Dec. 8 @ Golden State – Warriors 114, Timberwolves 106
- Dec. 21 @ Minnesota – Warriors 113, Timberwolves 103
- Jan. 15 @ Minnesota – Warriors 116, Timberwolves 115
That 3-1 record gives Golden State some confidence, but the Timberwolves will enter the series with home-court advantage and a much different rhythm.
Matchup to Watch: Curry vs. McDaniels
Jaden McDaniels will likely draw the assignment of guarding Curry. His length, lateral quickness, and defensive instincts could give Curry trouble, but the two-time MVP has seen it all.
Curry spoke about the challenge ahead:
“We know they had their run last year. They’ve got a new look with Randle, but the same ‘Ant’ who’s trying to take strides every game. We’re going to have to send multiple bodies at him.”
Expect Curry to draw doubles early and often, with Butler acting as a secondary ball-handler to relieve pressure.
X-Factors and Keys to the Series
Golden State Warriors
- Jimmy Butler’s Two-Way Impact – Butler’s ability to guard multiple positions and create off the dribble could tilt the series.
- Buddy Hield’s Shooting – The Timberwolves will try to limit Curry and Butler, but Hield could be the difference-maker with spacing and timely shooting.
- Interior Play – Can Draymond Green keep Randle in check and anchor the defense? His leadership will be crucial.
Minnesota Timberwolves
- Anthony Edwards’ Shot Selection – Edwards has matured greatly, but his ability to stay efficient against Golden State’s switching defense will determine how far Minnesota goes.
- Bench Production – Players like Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker must provide scoring and energy.
- Home Court Advantage – Target Center has been electric this postseason. Keeping that edge could decide the first two games.
Game 1 Prediction and Betting Insight
Four of the teams’ five most recent playoff games have hit the over. The Timberwolves have scored 116 points or more in three of their last five games, while the Warriors scored at least 103 in their last five contests against Houston.
Given the firepower on both rosters and the tempo both teams have played at recently, Over 207.5 appears to be a smart play for Game 1.
Minnesota is favored by 6.5 points, and while they are at home and well-rested, Golden State has experience and momentum on its side. Expect a tightly contested opener with late-game heroics likely deciding the outcome.
Final Prediction: Timberwolves 112, Warriors 108
What’s Next
Game 2 is set for Thursday, again at the Target Center. From there, the series shifts to San Francisco for Games 3 and 4. With each team loaded with talent and battle-tested from tough first-round matchups, this series promises drama, intensity, and playoff basketball at its finest.
Whether it’s the rise of Anthony Edwards or the championship muscle memory of Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, the Timberwolves-Warriors series will be must-watch television from start to finish.
