Update: Stephen Curry (Knee) and Draymond Green (Back) listed out for Monday’s contest.
Western Conference rivals run it back on Monday evening, as the Minnesota Timberwolves host the Golden State Warriors at Target Center for the second night in a row.
The Warriors (26–21, 8th West) dominated Sunday’s matchup, rolling to a 111–85 win, but could head into the rematch without additional key contributors. They’ll face a motivated Timberwolves squad (27–19, 7th West), eager to snap a five-game skid.
The teams previously met on Dec. 12 in San Francisco, where the Wolves secured a 127–120 road victory.
Here’s a look at the Injury Report:
Golden State Warriors
- Out: Jimmy Butler (ACL), Seth Curry (Sciatic Nerve), Al Horford (Toe), Jonathan Kuminga (Knee), De’Anthony Melton (Knee)
- Questionable: Stephen Curry (Knee), Draymond Green (Low Back), LJ Cryer (Hamstring)
Minnesota Timberwolves
- Out: Terrence Shannon Jr. (Foot)
- Questionable: Leonard Miller (Back)
Tipoff is set for 9:30 p.m. ET. Minnesota enters as an 8.5-point home favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Golden State sits as a +245 underdog. The game’s total is set at 231.5 points.
Warriors vs. Timberwolves Preview
Golden State Warriors Preview
The Warriors’ championship window with Stephen Curry is closing. While still holding a play-in spot, they suffered a gut-punch in the form of Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL tear earlier this week.
Golden State is just 3–6 without Butler this season, and additional injuries to Al Horford and Jonathan Kuminga, among others, have exacerbated the issue. Making matters worse, both Curry and Draymond Green are listed as questionable heading into the second night of the back-to-back in Minnesota.
If the four-time champions are sidelined Monday night, the Dubs will likely lean on their young backcourt comprising Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody, both of whom played well in Sunday’s contest. Veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hield could see some additional perimeter looks, as well.
Minnesota Timberwolves Preview
The Timberwolves have sputtered recently, losing five straight games — including a defeat to the lowly Jazz — and dropping down to the seventh seed in the West. During this span, they’ve floundered on both ends of the floor while allowing the NBA’s sixth-highest opponent three-point percentage.
Still, Minnesota remains a formidable opponent — a squad coming off back-to-back trips to the Western Conference Finals. This season, the Wolves rank in the league’s top ten in offensive (7th), defensive (10th), and net rating (8th), averaging the fourth-most points per game on uber-efficient splits.
Leading the charge is three-time All-Star Anthony Edwards. The former first overall pick is averaging 29.7 points, the fifth most in the NBA, along with 5.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. He’s flanked by standout forward Julius Randle, and the Wolves also receive strong contributions from Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and Rudy Gobert.
Warriors vs. Timberwolves Pick, Best Bet
The Wolves desperately need a win, and Monday night seems like the perfect opportunity. If Stephen Curry and Draymond Green suit up, the Warriors could still cover the lofty 8.5-point spread. But if they sit, expect Anthony Edwards and company to bulldoze Golden State’s JV squad.
