2025 NBA West Semifinals Game 2 Preview - Golden State vs. Minnesota: Can the Timberwolves tie the series while Curry is out? May 8, 2025 by Marc Jerbs

The 2025 NBA Western Conference semifinals roll on with a pivotal Game 2 showdown between the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, May 8, at 8:30 PM EDT at the Target Center in Minneapolis. The Warriors, fresh off a gritty 99–88 win in Game 1 despite losing star guard Stephen Curry early to a left hamstring strain, aim to build on their road momentum. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves look to bounce back on their home floor and even the best-of-seven series.

Team Context and Series Overview

Golden State holds a 1-0 lead in the series after showcasing their defensive resilience and stepping up offensively without Curry. Buddy Hield delivered a crucial 24-point performance with timely three-pointers, while Jimmy Butler flirted with a triple-double, posting 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists. Despite Curry's early departure after contributing 13 points, the Warriors locked down Minnesota's offense, holding them to just 39.5% shooting from the field and a frigid 17.2% from three. Draymond Green played a vital role, adding 18 points and anchoring the defense while controlling the tempo.

The Timberwolves, on the other hand, struggled mightily on offense in Game 1, registering a season-low 88 points. They missed their first 16 three-point attempts and finished just 5-of-29 from beyond the arc. Anthony Edwards had a rocky start, going 0-for-8 in the first half, but recovered to finish with 23 points and 14 rebounds. However, his surge came too late to turn the tide. Julius Randle chipped in 16 points, and Rudy Gobert contributed 9 points and 11 boards, though the overall supporting cast lacked consistency.

Key Matchups and Player Status

Golden State is expected to stick with a starting lineup similar to Game 1: Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, Buddy Hield, Brandin Podziemski, and, health permitting, Stephen Curry. However, Curry's strained hamstring likely sidelines him for at least a week, making his availability for Game 2 doubtful. Coach Steve Kerr will need to manage rotations carefully to maintain energy and effectiveness in Curry's absence.

Minnesota's probable starting five remains unchanged: Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert. Head coach Chris Finch has publicly challenged Edwards to raise his intensity and set the tone early in hopes of sparking a turnaround after the Game 1 setback.

Golden State vs. Minnesota Sports Bet Odds

The Timberwolves are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Timberwolves are favored by 10.5 points, with a money line of -525.
• The Warriors are the underdogs by 10.5 points, with a money line of +400.
• The over/under is set at 201 points, with the over at -110 and the under at -110.

Strategic Outlook

Golden State's success continues to hinge on its elite defense, significantly enhanced by the mid-season addition of Butler and the steady presence of Green. Ranked as the league's top defensive unit since Butler's arrival, the Warriors will likely apply aggressive pressure on Edwards while limiting opportunities for Randle and Gobert. Offensively, the Warriors rely on efficient perimeter shooting and off-ball movement, with Hield and Butler expected to shoulder the scoring load if Curry remains sidelined.

For Minnesota, offensive adjustments are critical. Better shot selection, increased ball movement, and improved spacing are needed to penetrate Golden State's defensive schemes. Coach Finch has emphasized generating higher-quality looks and engaging the full roster to avoid stagnation. Restoring three-point efficiency and unlocking the potential of the supporting cast are musts for the Timberwolves to stay in contention.

Game Significance and Implications

Game 2 is an important point in the series. A second straight Warriors win would give them a commanding 2-0 lead with home-court advantage shifting to San Francisco. On the flip side, a Timberwolves victory would level the series and restore confidence heading into Game 3.

Both teams feature a mix of rising talent and seasoned playoff veterans, promising a high-stakes, tactical battle. The result of this game will speak volumes about each team's resilience - Golden State's ability to persevere without Curry, and Minnesota's capacity to respond after a deflating loss on home court.

2025 Comparative Golden State vs. Minnesota Postseason Stats

Golden State Warriors	VS	Minnesota Timberwolves
104.2	Points Per Game	103.4
43.3	Rebounds Per Game	41.0
21.7	Assists Per Game	24.5
7.8	Steals Per Game	8.6
10.8	Turnovers Per Game	11.6