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The Golden State Warriors have to get up off the mat after an absolutely embarrassing showing against the Dallas Mavericks, and they're going to have to do it against a Minnesota Timberwolves team that's suddenly playing some really good basketball. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Warriors-Timberwolves prediction and pick.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the Warriors-Timberwolves odds.
NBA Odds: Warriors-Timberwolves Odds
Golden State Warriors -4 (-113)
Minnesota Timberwolves +4 (-107)
Over 234 points (-110)
Under 234 points (-110)
Why The Warriors Could Cover The Spread
The Warriors have been an absolute trip this season. On some nights, Stephen Curry is working his magic and leading the Dubs to impressive victories. On others, the team is getting pounded by 30 points at home against Dallas. Given the roller-coaster nature of this campaign, it's probably no surprise Golden State is a perfectly mediocre 31-31.
One has to imagine the Warriors will be motivated after the Mavs embarrassment. There has to be a sense of urgency with just 10 games remaining in the regular season and a play-in berth not yet clinched. And while getting high enough to avoid the play-in tournament is highly unlikely, there's a chance to at least get to the 7-8 game.
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Having Curry out there always gives Golden State a chance, but he'll need to get some help. Unfortunately, it's looking like Kelly Oubre Jr. isn't going to play due to a wrist injury. The good news is Kent Bazemore is expected back in the lineup.
The Timberwolves have a rather porous defense (though the last few games have been better), so Curry and the Warriors are going to have to get going offensively. We certainly know that can happen, and Steve Kerr's squad should be more locked in than they were against Dallas.
Why The Timberwolves Could Cover The Spread
Don't look now, but the Timberwolves have won three games in a row. While this has been another rough season for Minnesota, there are some reasons for optimism now that the young core of Karl-Anthony Towns, D'Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards is finally playing extended minutes together.
Two of those three wins came against the league-best Utah Jazz, so it's not like the Timberwolves have just been beating bottom-feeders lately. Of course, that's exactly what they did last game, handling the league-worst Houston Rockets.
KAT had 31 points against the Rockets and continues to play impressive basketball after a rough start to the season, on multiple fronts. The Warriors could have some trouble inside against the big man, and he'll look to dominate a smaller Dubs roster. Draymond Green will surely get plenty of time on Towns, who will look to take advantage of his size.
There's also the possibility of a Russell revenge game, so that's always fun to watch.
On the injury front, the Timberwolves are healthy outside of the extended Malik Beasley absence. If Minnesota keeps up the strong play, another win could very well be in the cards.
Final Warriors-Timberwolves Prediction & Pick
The Warriors have more to play for than the Timberwolves, but don't count out this pesky Minnesota bunch. This should be a competitive game that remains close throughout. I'm going to go with the Warriors barely covering this spread, but if you're not feeling that confident, perhaps play the moneyline (-175) instead.
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION & PICK FOR WARRIORS-TIMBERWOLVES: GSW 115, MIN 110 (GSW -4)
