Should the Minnesota Timberwolves want the Golden State Warriors or the Houston Rockets to advance? Lets take a look at what the series against the Los Angeles Lakers told us.
The Timberwolves dismantled the Lakers in a statement first-round series. Behind Anthony Edwards’ emerging superstardom, Rudy Gobert’s defensive dominance, and a front court that bullied Los Angeles all week, the Wolves are not just moving on; they’re moving forward with purpose.
Now, the question is simple: Who should Minnesota want next, Stephen Curry's Warriors or Jalen Green’s Rockets? The Lakers series gave us more than just a win. It gave us a blueprint. And based on how the Wolves performed, the answer is clear. Let’s take a glance at matchups because the Wolves are built for a fight either way.
1. The Warriors: Dangerous legacy, but an aging one
Sure, Curry is still Curry. Jimmy Butler can still heat up, and knowing Butler, he would surely have an incentive to beat his former team. And yes, the Warriors have championship experience. But this is a team that ranked in the bottom-10 in rebounding this season. It relies on smaller lineups and older legs, and has a bench that struggles to keep up with length and energy.
The Wolves just dominated the glass against a Lakers team that featured Luka Dončić and LeBron James with a shaky supporting cast. Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle routinely controlled the paint, while Jaden McDaniels shut down perimeter scorers. Minnesota out-rebounded the Lakers by over eight boards per game in the series.
Against the Warriors? That advantage grows. Golden State also has no one to stay in front of Anthony Edwards. If the Lakers, who threw traps, length, and even LeBron James at him, couldn’t stop Edwards from posting efficient 25-plus point nights while racking up assists, then the Warriors’ smaller backcourt could be in real trouble.
Minnesota has a much stronger amount of bench depth to deploy in this possible matchup, as well. The Warriors' second unit would have trouble keeping up with last years Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid, and Donte DiVincenzo knows this team very well. He was very comfortable previously playing for the Warriors. That's a recipe to give Steve Kerr and his squad headaches.
Advantage: Wolves
2. The Rockets: Young, fast, and physical
The Rockets, meanwhile, are young, aggressive, and fearless. Green and Alperen Şengün can cause real problems if you let them run. Houston is top-five in pace, and they’ve got nothing to lose. But youth has its flaws, and the Lakers series showed how disciplined Minnesota has become.
The Wolves had only six turnovers from Edwards in the Lakers series. They dominated in half-court execution, slowing the pace and making smart reads. Their bench outplayed LA’s in every game, especially when the stars rested.
If Minnesota keeps that composure and slows the game down, the Rockets’ inexperience will show. The Rockets were probably hoping to match up with a team that they could just outrun and try to match their energy. But the Warriors couldn't have been a worse draw for making them adjust their usual pace. The Wolves also match up well physically. Randle and Gobert can bully Şengün. Jaden McDaniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker can frustrate Draymond Green.
But let’s be clear: Houston’s energy could spark chaos. They would have a home court advantage that can start them off fueled with energy. If they catch fire, they’re harder to put away than the methodical Warriors. Even with that being said, they don't keep their composure when things aren't going their way as well as the Warriors would. Chris Finch will have the Wolves ready to pounce on those opportunities when they arise from a lapse of focus.
Advantage: Wolves
3. Who Wolves fans should want
If you’re talking about easier matchups? Take the Warriors. Their age, size, and bench depth are no match. Although Curry is a nightmare matchup for any defense, he can't do everything. Testing championship mettle? Take the Rockets. Beating the new-school upstarts would prove the Wolves are the next true western power—as well as prepare them for a probable matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder to reach the Finals.
But based on what we just saw against the Lakers, a series where defense, rebounding, and composure crushed star power, the Wolves are ready for either.
Still, if the goal is a championship run, Timberwolves fans should want the Warriors. Let Edwards out-duel Curry on the big stage. Let Gobert and Randle destroy the boards. Let McDaniels blanket shooters. Minnesota is built for this moment. And no matter who’s next, the west runs through the Wolves now.
The media will surely be rooting for the Warriors due to their bigger market just like we saw with Los Angeles. But the Timberwolves embrace being the underdogs and they will force you to change the narrative whether you like it or not. And no matter who’s next, the west runs through the Wolves now.