GSW vs. Timberwolves: 2025 NBA Western Conference Semifinals

GSW vs. Timberwolves – Catch the thrilling 2025 NBA Western Conference Semifinals clash between the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves. Key matchups, stats, and predictions!

The 2025 NBA Western Conference Semifinals pit the No. 7 seed Golden State Warriors against the No. 6 seed Minnesota Timberwolves in a battle of experience versus emerging talent. This marks the first-ever playoff series between these two franchises, with the Warriors coming off a grueling seven-game upset over the Houston Rockets and the Timberwolves fresh from a dominant 4-1 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. With stars like Stephen Curry and Anthony Edwards leading their respective teams, this series promises high-octane action, strategic depth, and intense competition. Here’s a deep dive into the key matchups, recent stats, predictions, and more.

Series Overview

The Warriors (48-34 regular season) and Timberwolves (49-33 regular season) face off in a series that blends Golden State’s championship pedigree with Minnesota’s youthful energy. The Timberwolves hold home-court advantage, with Games 1 and 2 at the Target Center in Minneapolis. The Warriors, bolstered by the midseason addition of Jimmy Butler, aim to extend their dynasty, while the Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards, are hungry to return to the Western Conference Finals for the second consecutive year.

Series Schedule

Game	Date	Location	Time (ET)	TV
Game 1	May 6, 2025	Warriors @ Timberwolves	9:30 PM	TNT
Game 2	May 8, 2025	Warriors @ Timberwolves	8:30 PM	TNT
Game 3	May 10, 2025	Timberwolves @ Warriors	8:30 PM	ABC
Game 4	May 12, 2025	Timberwolves @ Warriors	10:00 PM	ESPN
Game 5*	May 14, 2025	Warriors @ Timberwolves	TBD	TNT
Game 6*	May 18, 2025	Timberwolves @ Warriors	TBD	TBD
Game 7*	May 20, 2025	Warriors @ Timberwolves	8:30 PM	ESPN

*If necessary

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Stephen Curry vs. Jaden McDaniels

Stephen Curry, the Warriors’ offensive engine, faces a formidable challenge in Jaden McDaniels, who guarded him for 28:40 across four regular-season games, limiting Curry’s efficiency. Curry averaged 28.8 points per game against Minnesota, but McDaniels’ length and athleticism disrupted his rhythm. With Curry nursing a Grade 1 hamstring strain after Game 1, his availability and effectiveness are critical.

2. Anthony Edwards vs. Warriors’ Perimeter Defense

Anthony Edwards, dubbed the next face of the NBA, averaged 26.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists in the first round against the Lakers. The Warriors, with Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green, boast a versatile defense that ranked third in points allowed per possession post-trade deadline. Edwards’ ability to exploit Golden State’s lack of a true rim protector will be pivotal.

3. Rudy Gobert vs. Draymond Green

The Gobert-Green matchup is a clash of styles and personalities. Gobert feasted on the Lakers’ small-ball lineup, posting 27 points and 24 rebounds in the closeout game. Green, a defensive maestro, will aim to neutralize Gobert’s dominance in the paint while avoiding foul trouble or a potential suspension, a recurring concern in high-stakes series.

GSW vs. Timberwolves - Recent Performance and Stats

Golden State Warriors

First Round: Defeated No. 2 Houston Rockets 4-3
Key Stats:
- Stephen Curry: 24 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 5.7 APG
- Buddy Hield: 33 points (9-11 3PT) in Game 7 vs. Rockets
- Team: 3-1 regular-season record vs. Timberwolves
Strengths: Elite shooting, playoff experience, Butler’s two-way impact

Weaknesses: Fatigue from seven-game series, size disadvantage

Minnesota Timberwolves

First Round: Defeated No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers 4-1
Key Stats:
- Anthony Edwards: 26.8 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 6.2 APG
- Julius Randle: 22.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.4 APG
- Rudy Gobert: 27 points, 24 rebounds in Game 5 vs. Lakers
Strengths: Size, athleticism, top-tier defense (4th in points allowed)
Weaknesses: Inconsistent 3-point shooting (14.9% in Game 5 vs. Lakers)

Head-to-Head (2024-25 Regular Season)

Date	Result	Key Performances
Dec 6, 2024	Timberwolves 107, Warriors 90	Edwards: 30 PTS, 9 AST; Curry: 6-17 FG
Dec 8, 2024	Warriors 114, Timberwolves 106	Curry: 30 PTS, 9 AST
Dec 21, 2024	Warriors 113, Timberwolves 103	Curry: 31 PTS, 10 AST
Jan 15, 2025	Warriors 116, Timberwolves 115	Curry: 28 PTS; Edwards: 25 PTS

Game 1 Recap

The Warriors stole home-court advantage with a 99-88 victory in Game 1, despite Curry exiting early with a hamstring injury. Buddy Hield stepped up with a stellar performance, and the Warriors’ defense held Edwards to a subpar outing. Minnesota struggled offensively, shooting poorly from beyond the arc, while Golden State capitalized on second-chance points. However, Curry’s “day-to-day” status looms large for Game 2.

GSW vs. Timberwolves - Predictions and Analysis

Expert Predictions

CBS Sports: Timberwolves in 6 (Botkin), Warriors in 7 (Herbert), Timberwolves in 7 (Maloney, Quinn)
NBA.com: Timberwolves favored due to Edwards’ superstar edge and Minnesota’s depth
Golden State of Mind: Warriors in 7, citing Curry’s clutch play and Butler’s impact
SportsLine Model: Leans Over 210.5 points, with Timberwolves covering the -6.5 spread in Game 1 (hit in over 50% of simulations)

Why the Warriors Could Win

Experience: Curry, Green, and coach Steve Kerr have four championships since 2015.
Shooting: Hield and Brandin Podziemski complement Curry’s long-range threat.
Butler Effect: Since Butler’s arrival, the Warriors are 26-8 when he, Curry, and Green play together, and they have a top-tier defense.

Why the Timberwolves Could Win

Size and Defense: Minnesota’s length (McDaniels, Gobert) and physicality mirror Houston’s, which troubled Golden State.
Edwards’ Star Power: Edwards is poised for a breakout, averaging 26.8 points in the playoffs.
Rest Advantage: The Timberwolves had five days of rest compared to the Warriors’ one day post-Game 7.

Series Prediction

This series is a coin flip, likely extending to seven games. The Timberwolves’ size and defensive prowess give them a slight edge, especially with Curry’s injury concerns. However, Golden State’s experience and adaptability cannot be underestimated. Prediction: Timberwolves in 7, with Edwards emerging as the series MVP.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where can I watch the Warriors vs. Timberwolves series?

Games are broadcast on TNT, ABC, and ESPN, with streaming available on FuboTV. Check the schedule above for specific channels and times.

Is Stephen Curry playing in Game 2?

Curry is listed as “day-to-day” with a Grade 1 hamstring strain sustained in Game 1. Coach Steve Kerr indicated he’s unlikely to play in Game 2 on May 8, 2025.

Who has the home-court advantage?

The No. 6 seed Timberwolves have home-court advantage, hosting Games 1, 2, 5, and 7 at the Target Center in Minneapolis.

How did the GSW vs. Timberwolves perform in the first round?

The Warriors upset the No. 2 Houston Rockets in seven games, while the Timberwolves dispatched the No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers in five games.

What’s at stake in this series?

The winner advances to the Western Conference Finals to face the winner of the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets series, with a chance to reach the NBA Finals starting June 5, 2025.

Conclusion

The 2025 Western Conference Semifinals between the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves is a clash of contrasting styles: Golden State’s veteran savvy and shooting against Minnesota’s size, athleticism, and defensive grit. With Curry’s health in question and Edwards ready to shine, this series could hinge on execution in clutch moments. Fans are in for a treat as these teams battle for a spot in the Western Conference Finals. Who do you think will prevail?