Golden State Warriors (14-12) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (14-12)
December 21, 2024 8:00 pm EDT
The Line: Minnesota Timberwolves -3.5; Over/Under: +216.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Golden State Warriors pay a visit to the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center on Saturday night. Here’s a Minnesota Timberwolves vs Golden State Warriors Prediction. This article will include a Minnesota Timberwolves vs Golden State Warriors Pick.
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have been in a terrible slump as they’ve lost nine of their last 11 games overall and they will be hoping to arrest a three-game skid after getting mauled by the Grizzlies in a 144-93 road defeat on Thursday. Brandin Podziemski led the team in scoring with 21 points and six assists off the bench, Andrew Wiggins added 19 points while Jonathan Kuminga chipped in with 11 points, but no other player scored more than nine points.
As a team, the Warriors shot just 35 percent from the field and 12 of 36 from the 3-point line as they got off to a nightmare start, scoring just 15 points in the first quarter to fall behind by double digits right away and things only got worse in the third quarter where they allowed 40 points.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves have been on a nice run as they’ve won six of their last eight games overall, but they are hoping to bounce back in this one after having their two-game win streak halted by the Knicks in a 133-107 loss on Thursday. Julius Randle led the team with 24 points on eight of 17 shooting, Anthony Edwards added 17 points with seven assists while Donte DiVincenzo chipped in with 15 points off the bench.
As a team, the Timberwolves shot 46 percent from the field and 17 of 42 from the 3-point line as they allowed the Knicks to get off to a quick start and they just couldn’t recover after allowing 41 points in the second quarter to trail by as many as 36 points.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win
- The Warriors have lost each of their last eight night games at Target Center.
- The Timberwolves have won nine of their last 10 night games against the Warriors at Target Center.
- The Warriors have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six night games at Target Center.
- The Timberwolves have covered the spread in nine of their last 10 home games against Warriors teams that held a winning record.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Timberwolves’ last 11 Saturday night games at Target Center have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Warriors’ last seven road games has gone UNDER the total points line.
Minnesota Timberwolves Player Facts
- Anthony Edwards ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for three-pointers made Per Game (4.3) this season.
- Rudy Gobert ranks 3rd amongst qualified players for FG% (63.5%) this season.
Golden State Warriors Player Facts
- Stephen Curry ranks 1st in the Western Conference amongst qualified players for FT% (92.5%) this season.
- Draymond Green ranks 3rd amongst qualified Centers for assists per game (5.6) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Timberwolves rank 3rd in the league for opponent three-point percentage this season (33.8%).
- The Timberwolves rank 3rd in the league for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (12.0).
- The Warriors rank 30th in the league for free throw percentage this season (70.3%).
- The Warriors rank 1st in the league for Q2 opponent points per game this season (26.0).
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Golden State Warriors Prediction
The Warriors are still missing Moses Moody while the Timberwolves are still playing without the injured Joe Ingles. The Warriors haven’t looked like themselves lately, especially on the defensive end as they’ve allowed a combined 287 points over their past two games. In contrast, the Timberwolves were playing some of their best basketball of the season before they got thrashed by the Knicks in their last outing. Based on recent form, the Timberwolves look like excellent value as the slight favorites at home in this spot.
