play

Timberwolves’ playoff journey: how far can they go?

The Timberwolves face a tough path to the conference finals after a grueling series against the Lakers.

The No. 6-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves will face the No. 7-seeded Golden State Warriors in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs.

Minnesota advanced with a 4-1 series win over the Los Angeles Lakers, while Golden State advanced with a 4-3 win over the Houston Rockets. Game 1 of the best-of-seven series will be at 8:30 p.m. CT Tuesday, May 6, in Minneapolis.

Here’s a look at how the second-round matchup is projected to play out:

Second-round picks: Thunder vs Nuggets | Cavaliers vs Pacers | Celtics vs Knicks

Timberwolves vs Warriors series prediction, picks

Justin Martinez: Minnesota, 4-2

Golden State struggled when Houston went big with Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams. It’s now tasked with facing a Minnesota team that has Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert, plus Naz Reid off the bench. The Timberwolves’ size will present problems. And unlike the Rockets, who lack a consistent closer, Anthony Edwards is more than capable of taking over down the stretch. I’m going with Minnesota in six.

Minnesota opened as a -160 favorite to beat Golden State in the second round of the playoffs.

Series winner: Minnesota -160 | Golden State +135

Timberwolves vs. Warriors Game 1 betting odds

Odds via BetMGM as of Sunday, May 4

Odds: Minnesota by 5.5Over/under: 209.5Moneyline: Minnesota -235 | Golden State +195

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors playoff schedule

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.