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Warriors vs. Timberwolves Prediction and Odds: Banged-up Warriors Playing as Underdogs in Minnesota

By Matt De Saro

The Minnesota Timberwolves host a Golden State Warriors team tonight that is missing some very key pieces.
The Minnesota Timberwolves host a Golden State Warriors team tonight that is missing some very key pieces. / Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
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The Golden State Warriors are ready to get back home after this current road trip but have one more game to get past. The Minnesota Timberwolves stand in the way of the Warriors and seven home games. Unfortunately, Golden State will be playing shorthanded and therefore are a 4.5 point underdog tonight.

Steph Curry and Draymond Green are both out along with James Wiseman and Gary Payton II. This is the eighth game this year that the Warriors are underdogs and they are 5-3 ATS in those games. As a road team, they are 10-10-1 ATS. 

Here are the odds for this Western Conference, showdown courtesy of WynnBET: 

Warriors vs. Timberwolves Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

  • Warriors +4.5 (-110)
  • Timberwolves -4.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Warriors +155
  • Timberwolves -190

Total: 

  • 216.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Warriors vs. Timberwolves Prediction and Pick

The Timberwolves have had an up and down start to the new year so far. They had a four-game win streak snapped last week and have now lost two in a row. The Wolves are dangerously close to falling below .500 but have a good chance to avoid that tonight against the Warriors. On a normal night, I wouldn’t give this game much thought. But, with the Warriors playing without their two best players, things get interesting. 

While the Wolves have a bad record, they are not lacking in talent and have a phenomenal starting five all things considered. The young group plays hard on both sides of the ball, but still has some learning to do on playing defense in the NBA. Overall, the Timberwolves are the 19th ranked team in the league in defensive scoring and 26th in fast break points surrendered. Another glaring issue is the rebounding numbers that plant them firmly among the worst teams in the league. The Timberwolves are averaging 56 rebounds per game, good for 28th best in the NBA. Their offense is a top 15 team across the board but is routinely let down by their defensive issues. 

Despite all of this, the fact remains that the Warriors will be playing this game with one arm tied behind their backs. The T-Wolves can score with any team and their defensive issues will be less obvious without Curry and Green on the court. 

Pick: Timberwolves -4.5 (-110)

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