The Minnesota Timberwolves are set to host the Golden State Warriors in Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal series on Thursday, aiming to tie the series. The Warriors will be without their star point guard, Stephen Curry, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. Golden State, the seventh seed with a 48-34 regular-season record, has a solid road performance this season, standing at 27-19 including playoff games. The sixth-seeded Timberwolves, holding a 49-33 record, have a strong home advantage with a 27-17 record in the 2024-25 season. This playoff series marks the first time these two franchises have faced each other in the postseason.
Tip-off for Game 2 at Target Center in Minneapolis is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. The latest odds from DraftKings Sportsbook position the Timberwolves as 10.5-point favorites against the Warriors, increasing from their initial opening line of 9 points. The projected over/under for the total combined score is 201.5 points. On the money line, Minnesota is listed at -562 (meaning a $562 bet wins $100), while Golden State is at +410 (a $100 bet wins $410). Analysis and predictions from the SportsLine Projection Model are available for those looking to make betting decisions.
The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates every NBA game 10,000 times, has consistently delivered significant betting profits for players over the past six-plus seasons. The model enters the 2025 NBA playoffs conference semifinals on an impressive run on its top-rated NBA picks, including a perfect 3-0 start in the current playoffs. This season, it holds a strong 23-11 record (68%) on top-rated NBA against-the-spread picks. Bettors who have followed the model`s advice at sportsbooks have seen substantial returns.
SportsLine`s model has now run 10,000 simulations for the Warriors vs. Timberwolves matchup and has released its expert NBA picks and betting predictions. Here are the key NBA odds and betting lines for the game:
- Spread: Minnesota -10.5
- Over/Under: 201.5 total points
- Money Line: Golden State +410, Minnesota -562
- Golden State: 4-5 against the spread in their last 10 games
- Minnesota: Hit the team total over in 34 of their last 52 games (+13.05 units)
Why the Timberwolves Can Cover the Spread
Shooting guard Anthony Edwards is the primary engine of the Minnesota offense. In six playoff starts, he`s averaging 26.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.5 steals over 41.2 minutes per game. He recorded his second consecutive double-double in the Game 1 loss on Tuesday, contributing 23 points, 14 rebounds, and two assists. Earlier in the playoffs, he delivered a standout performance with 43 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in a 116-113 win against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4 of their first-round series on April 27.
Power forward Julius Randle presents another scoring threat for the Timberwolves. Across six playoff starts, he`s averaged 21.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 36.5 minutes. In the Game 1 loss to Golden State, he scored 18 points, along with six assists and three rebounds. During their Game 5 victory over the Lakers, he posted 23 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
Why the Warriors Can Cover the Spread
With Stephen Curry sidelined, small forward Jimmy Butler is expected to take on a larger scoring role. In seven playoff starts, Butler has averaged 18.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.4 steals in 34.7 minutes. He started the series with a double-double in Game 1, scoring 20 points, pulling down 11 rebounds, dishing out eight assists, and adding two steals.
Shooting guard Buddy Hield has been in excellent form recently. In the Game 1 win against the Timberwolves, he contributed 24 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. He also had a strong showing with 33 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in a Game 7 victory over the Rockets. This postseason, across eight games including five starts, he`s averaging 12.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.1 steals in 25.3 minutes.
SportsLine`s model, after simulating the Warriors vs. Timberwolves game 10,000 times, leans towards the Over for the total points, projecting a combined score of 205. Furthermore, the model indicates that one side of the point spread is covered in almost 60% of simulations.
For detailed analysis, including predictions on the game winner and which side of the spread is favored in nearly 60% of simulations, consult the full SportsLine model breakdown. The model has a proven track record of generating significant returns on its top-rated NBA picks.
Jasper Hawthorne