As the Golden State Warriors prepare to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night at the Target Center, both teams enter the matchup with playoff aspirations-and some key players sidelined. Tip-off is set for 9:30 p.m. ET, and while the spotlight will naturally fall on stars like Stephen Curry and Anthony Edwards, the depth and health of each roster could play just as big a role in determining the outcome.
Injury Report: Who’s In, Who’s Out
Golden State will be without three contributors for this one. Jimmy Butler is out for the season with a knee injury, a significant blow considering his two-way impact and veteran leadership.
Seth Curry is also sidelined with a back issue, and Jonathan Kuminga is nursing a knee injury. That leaves the Warriors shorthanded on both ends of the floor, particularly when it comes to perimeter scoring and defensive versatility.
Minnesota, meanwhile, lists just one player on the injury report: rookie Terrence Shannon, who remains out with a foot injury. While his absence won’t shake the Timberwolves’ core rotation, it does slightly thin their bench at the wing.
Timberwolves: Balanced, Physical, and Still Rising
The Timberwolves come into this one at 27-19, and they’ve been quietly building momentum. Their offensive output-119.2 points per game-ranks fourth in the league, and they’re doing it with a balanced attack that blends pace, power, and perimeter shooting.
Anthony Edwards continues to evolve into a full-blown superstar. Over his last 20 games, he’s averaging 26.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, while knocking down over three triples a night. He’s the engine of this offense, and with his ability to create off the dribble and finish through contact, he’s a matchup problem for any defense.
Julius Randle has brought toughness and playmaking to the frontcourt, averaging 21.3 points and 5.0 assists over the same span. Add in Rudy Gobert’s 11.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game, and you’ve got a team that can hurt you inside and out.
Donte DiVincenzo has been a revelation from deep, hitting 3.2 threes per game-good for 10th in the NBA. His ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions has been a key part of Minnesota’s recent surge.
Warriors: Still Dangerous, But Depth Is a Concern
The Warriors are 26-21 and still very much in the hunt, but injuries are beginning to test their depth. Stephen Curry remains the heartbeat of this team, averaging 27.3 points per game (10th in the league) and leading the NBA with 4.5 made threes per night. He’s been on a tear recently, putting up 23.9 points and 5.7 assists per game over his last 20 contests-even as defenses continue to throw everything at him.
But with Jimmy Butler out for the year and Seth Curry unavailable, the supporting cast needs to step up. Brandin Podziemski has shown flashes, averaging 12.3 points and nearly four assists over his last 20 games. Moses Moody has also chipped in with 9.9 points and 2.2 made threes per game, but consistency remains a question.
Draymond Green continues to do the dirty work-averaging 7.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists-but at just 5.7 rebounds per game, Golden State is getting beat on the boards. In fact, they rank 23rd in the league in rebounding, pulling down 42.9 per game compared to the 44.6 they allow.
Three-Point Battle Could Be the Difference
Both teams can shoot it from deep, but Golden State has the edge in volume. The Warriors lead the league with 16.3 made threes per game, and they do it at a solid 36.5% clip. Minnesota isn’t far behind, hitting 14.1 per game (10th in the NBA), but they’ll need to close out hard and rotate quickly to keep Curry and company from getting hot.
Interestingly, both teams allow 12.6 threes per game, so perimeter defense could be a swing factor. If DiVincenzo and Edwards get going early, the Timberwolves can keep pace. But if Curry finds his rhythm and the Warriors’ role players knock down open looks, Golden State could turn this into a shootout.
What to Watch
- Can Minnesota control the glass? With Gobert anchoring the paint and Randle crashing the boards, the Timberwolves have a chance to dominate the rebounding battle against a smaller, thinner Warriors squad.
- Will Curry get enough help? Without Butler and Curry’s brother Seth, the Warriors need someone-Podziemski, Moody, or even Draymond-to step up offensively.
- Can Edwards take over? He’s been electric lately, and with Golden State’s defense stretched thin, this could be another statement game for the rising star.
This one has all the makings of a tightly contested Western Conference clash. Both teams are fighting for playoff positioning, and while the Warriors have the edge in experience, the Timberwolves look deeper and healthier right now. Expect a fast-paced, high-scoring affair-and don’t be surprised if it comes down to who hits more threes in the fourth quarter.