*This article was written before the series happened.
The 7th-seeded Warriors will play the 6th-seeded Timberwolves on the road on May 6, 2025, at Target Center, Minneapolis in the Western Conference semifinals. The Warriors came off an exhausting seven-game series against the Rockets, where rising superstar Buddy Hield sealed the deal by dropping 33 points with nine three-pointers in game seven. In contrast, the Timberwolves swiftly sent the Lakers home in a gentleman’s sweep, led by Anthony Edwards.
Edwards, coming off a scorching hot performance in the regular season, mentioned in an interview that he “[wants] to play the Warriors,” further corroborating this claim by saying, “wherever [the Warriors] are at, I want to get to them.” But Edwards is not running a solo mission. The Wolves’ midseason trade for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo has allowed them to regain their initially lost rhythm. Furthermore, Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid have also shown explosive scoring outbursts, and Rudy Gobert dominated the Lakers in game five, dropping 27 points with 24 rebounds as the cherry on top. Minnesota has proven itself as a formidable team because of its increased team depth, adaptability, and defensive capabilities. They can play small with Reid at five, big with Gobert or a flex-heavy lineup with McDaniels. The Timberwolves will likely control the game’s pace, leveraging their size and adaptability.
Despite the menacing presence the Wolves possess, counting the Warriors out would be a big mistake. Butler’s arrival at Dub Nation has turned the tide (27-10 since the trade, a 73% win rate), and Curry averaged 29 points, nine assists and three rebounds against the Wolves this season with unprecedented efficiency. Draymond Green has also proven himself a great defender, acting as Golden State’s core defensive player while proving himself on the other side of the court with his dependable two-way play. Close games will ultimately determine the Warriors’ championship experience; if Green can shut Gobert down in terms of boards and scoring, the Warriors are undoubtedly contenders.
The key matchups in the Warriors-Wolves series are: Curry guarded by McDaniels or Alexander-Walker, Green matched against Gobert, and Edwards facing Butler. These matchups will determine the outcome of the series. If Curry dominates McDaniels or Alexander-Walker, the Warriors are likely to prevail. However, if Edwards outplays Butler, Minnesota will secure the victory.
The Wolves are younger and more physically fit, although the Warriors are still dangerous due to their veteran experience in playoff situations, further bolstered by Curry’s ability to perform when his team needs him the most. Ultimately, my pick for the Warriors-Wolves series is the Timberwolves to win in seven. As the Warriors’ Dynasty inches towards its end with an aging Curry and Butler, Edwards will maximize this to his advantage and solidify himself as a superstar.