The Timberwolves head to San Francisco with commanding series lead over Curry-less Warriors
The Minnesota Timberwolves (54-35, 44-45 ATS) take their 2-0 series lead on the road as they face the Golden State Warriors (54-38, 46-44-2 ATS) Saturday night in a crucial Game 3 matchup.
Minnesota enters as 5.5-point road favorites despite playing in the notoriously difficult Chase Center.
The biggest story remains Stephen Curry’s absence. The Warriors superstar is sidelined with a left hamstring strain he picked up in the second quarter of Game 1 when he had already scored 13 points in just 13 minutes of action.
Without their leader, Golden State looked completely lost in Game 2, suffering a humiliating 117-93 defeat.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr seemed desperate for answers, playing a staggering 14 different players in just the first half alone – the most by any coach in a playoff game since at least 1998.
There were a few bright spots for the Warriors, though. Jonathan Kuminga, who barely saw the court against Houston in the first round, stepped up with 18 points on efficient 8-of-11 shooting. Rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis added 15 points and 6 rebounds after playing just 24 total minutes in the previous series.
For Minnesota, Julius Randle dominated with 24 points and 11 assists, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipped in 20 points.
The Wolves did have a scare when superstar Anthony Edwards hurt his left ankle in the second quarter and headed to the locker room. But in typical Edwards fashion, he returned after halftime.
"There’s lots of ways being an elite athlete pays off," Minnesota coach Chris Finch said. "Being able to shake those things off certainly is one of them. I was really planning on not seeing him the rest of the game."
Good news for Minnesota fans – Edwards isn’t even listed on the injury report for Game 3.
The Timberwolves have actually been excellent at Chase Center recently, winning 4 of their last 5 games in the Warriors’ home arena.
ESPN’s Basketball Power Index gives Minnesota a 55% chance of taking a commanding 3-0 series lead on Saturday.
How To Watch Game 3
- 2025 NBA Playoffs Second Round: Minnesota Timberwolves @ Golden State Warriors
- Game 3 Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
- Tip-off: 8:30 p.m. ET
- Venue: Chase Center | San Francisco, California
- TV Channel: ABC
- Free Live Stream: Jazz Sports
- Game 3 Odds: Timberwolves -5.5 (-110) | Warriors +5.5 (-110)
Injury Report
Minnesota Timberwolves
- SG Rob Dillingham (ankle; questionable)
Golden State Warriors
- SG Stephen Curry (hamstring; to be re-evaluated in one week)
The series will continue with Game 4 in San Francisco on Monday before potentially shifting back to Minnesota for Game 5.
