Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors: Odds, injuries, game preview

The Minnesota Timberwolves will look to keep a modest losing skid from spiraling as they return home to take on the Golden State Warriors.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors: Odds, injuries, game preview

The Timberwolves’ propensity to follow positive stretches of play with utterly confounding swoons has been well-documented this season. After losing five of six games gave way to a four-game winning streak, the Wolves have now lost two straight heading into Sunday night’s tilt against the Golden State Warriors.

The Wolves are healthy, save for a pair of non-rotation players on the COVID-19 health and safety protocols list. The Warriors, on the other hand, will not have Steph Curry, who suffered a hand injury on Friday, or Draymond Green, who remains out with a calf injury.

Golden State has hit a bit of a rough patch of late after a scorching start to the season, although injuries have played a part in their recent struggles.

The Warriors were 29-7 before losing four out of their last six games. They defeated the Chicago Bulls by 42 points on Friday, however, and are still the No. 2 team in the Western Conference, trailing only the Phoenix Suns in the standings.

Minnesota Timberwolves odds vs. Golden State Warriors

The absences of Curry and Green and home-court advantage means that the Wolves are 4.5-point favorites, according to WynnBet. It’s still a little higher than one might expect, but if Minnesota plays as they did for much of last week, they should have a strong chance to pull out the win.

TV and streaming info for Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors

• Tip-off: 7:00 CT
• Television: Bally Sports North
• Radio: 830 WCCO
• Stream: Fubo.tv offers streaming options

What to watch for in Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors

The Timberwolves and Warriors have only faced off once this season, and it was all the way back in November. It was game No. 10 for the Wolves as they fell to a disappointing 3-7 mark to start the campaign and was the six consecutive loss at the time and one of eight losses in a nine-game stretch.

Andrew Wiggins dropped 35 points on his former team, including an electrifying dunk over Karl-Anthony Towns. Anthony Edwards put up 48 points in the loss, making seven 3-pointers. Towns struggled with his shot, however, and the Wolves defense was horrendous in giving up 123 points.

The Warriors carry the league’s No. 1 defense when it comes to efficiency. They are the best defensive rebounding team in the league and are No. 4 when it comes to forcing opponent turnovers.

On the other side of the ball, Golden State is No. 2 in 3-point attempt rate and No. 7 in percentage.

The Wolves need to get off to a strong start offensively, and Towns needs to avoid getting into foul trouble against a frontcourt that he should be able to score on in Kevon Looney, Otto Porter Jr., and rookie Jonathan Kuminga.

It’ll be tough sledding, to be sure, but with no Curry and no Green, the Warriors are without their top scorer and top distributor. A lot will fall on the shoulders of Wiggins, who will be visiting Target Center as an opposing player with fans in the stands for the first time. Jordan Poole, who is averaging 17.1 points per game, will also get plenty of opportunities.

Klay Thompson is expected to play in his fourth game since returning to play recently for the first time in nearly two years.

Injury report for Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors

The Wolves are missing Jordan McLaughlin and Leandro Bolmaro, who are both in health and safety protocols. Jaylen Nowell, who sprained his ankle on Tuesday and missed Thursday’s game in Memphis, is listed as questionable.

The Warriors are without Curry (hand) and Green (calf). Gary Payton II, who is a key reserve for head coach Steve Kerr, is questionable with a back injury. James Wiseman has been out all season and remains out.

We’ll be back after the game with key takeaways and player grades. Enjoy Wolves-Warriors, and here’s to 21-22!