Warriors vs. Timberwolves: 2025 NBA Playoff Second-Round Preview

May 6, 2025 – The NBA Playoffs are heating up, and today marks the start of an electrifying Western Conference semifinal series between the No. 7 Golden State Warriors and the No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves. Game 1 tips off tonight at 9:30 p.m. ET in Minneapolis, broadcast on TNT. Here’s a roundup of the latest news and insights surrounding this highly anticipated matchup.

Warriors Advance After Grueling Game 7

The Warriors earned their spot in the second round with a hard-fought 103-89 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 7 on May 4, 2025. Buddy Hield was the standout, dropping a playoff career-high 33 points, including nine three-pointers, tying an NBA record for most threes in a Game 7. Stephen Curry, despite a slow start, finished strong with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, while Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green provided crucial support. The Warriors’ experience shone through, but their battle-tested roster now faces a fresh challenge against a rested Timberwolves team.

Timberwolves Poised with Home-Court Advantage

Minnesota has been waiting since April 30, when they dispatched the Los Angeles Lakers in five games, to learn their next opponent. The Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, and Julius Randle, showcased their depth and defensive prowess in the first round. With four extra days of rest and home-court advantage at Target Center, the No. 6 seed is favored to advance, with odds listing them at +500 to win the West and +1600 for the NBA Championship. Their size, featuring Gobert, Randle, and Naz Reid, poses a significant challenge for Golden State.

Key Matchups and Storylines

Anthony Edwards vs. Stephen Curry: Edwards, a rising star, faces Curry, a playoff legend. Minnesota’s lone regular-season win over Golden State saw Edwards drop 30 points and nine assists, with Jaden McDaniels limiting Curry to 6-of-17 shooting. Can Edwards add Curry to his list of conquered stars, which already includes LeBron James and Kevin Durant?
Rudy Gobert vs. Draymond Green: The ongoing rivalry between Gobert and Green adds spice to this series. Green’s trash-talk and physical play, including a 2023 incident where he was suspended for choking Gobert, will test Minnesota’s composure. Expect fiery exchanges at Target Center.
Jimmy Butler’s Return to Minnesota: Butler, who played one season with the Timberwolves in 2017-18 before a contentious exit, faces a hostile reception from Wolves fans. Since joining Golden State in February, Butler has revitalized the Warriors, who went 27-10 post-trade. His leadership will be critical against his former team.

Series Odds and Predictions

Betting odds as of May 4 favor Minnesota, with DraftKings listing the Timberwolves at +500 to win the Western Conference compared to Golden State’s +700. The Warriors won the regular-season series 3-1, but those games were pre-Butler and before Minnesota hit their stride. NBA 2K25 simulations predict a narrow Timberwolves victory, citing their size and defensive edge, though Golden State’s experience makes this a toss-up. Analysts are split, with some favoring Minnesota’s athleticism and others banking on the Warriors’ playoff savvy.

How to Watch

Fans can catch every game on ABC, ESPN, or TNT, with streaming available on Sling, which carries all 2025 playoff games. For radio listeners, SiriusXM offers live coverage, with channels listed on their website. New subscribers can enjoy a four-month free trial.

Fan Sentiment and X Buzz

Posts on X reflect the excitement, with fans hyping the Edwards-Curry matchup and the Gobert-Green feud. Some Timberwolves supporters are confident in their team’s size advantage, while Warriors fans point to their clutch Game 7 performance. One detailed preview from @JoeVirayNBA breaks down matchups, rotations, and X-factors, calling it a “deep-dive” for hoops nerds. Meanwhile, @warriors shared a hype video narrated by a “GOAT,” stoking anticipation for tonight’s opener.

What’s at Stake

This series promises drama, from personal rivalries to high-stakes basketball. The winner advances to the Western Conference Finals, facing either the Oklahoma City Thunder or Denver Nuggets. For Golden State, it’s a chance to prove their dynasty still has legs; for Minnesota, it’s an opportunity to cement their status as contenders. Game 1 sets the tone tonight—don’t miss it.