The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as the No. 6 seed Minnesota Timberwolves face off against the No. 7 seed Golden State Warriors in Game 3 of their second-round 2025 NBA playoffs series. Scheduled to tip off on May 10 at 5:30 p.m. MST (8:30 p.m. Eastern time), this pivotal game will be broadcast on ABC and promises to be a highlight of the postseason.
With the series tied at 1-1, both teams are eager to seize the momentum. The Timberwolves enter this matchup as 5.5-point favorites, according to the latest odds from BetMGM Sportsbook, with a moneyline of -210. The Warriors, on the other hand, are positioned at +170, indicating an underdog status that they will look to overturn.
The over/under for this game has been set at 200.5 points, reflecting expectations for a closely contested battle. The stakes are high, especially for the Warriors, who are still adjusting to life without their star guard, Steph Curry, who is out with a Grade 1 hamstring strain.
In the absence of Curry, who missed Game 2 and has no clear return date, head coach Steve Kerr has made significant adjustments to the Warriors' rotation. "There's no Steph. It's a completely different team," Kerr remarked, emphasizing the need for a new strategy. He confirmed that Jonathan Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis would be key components of their Game 3 lineup.
Kuminga, who played 26 minutes off the bench in Game 2, showcased his potential by scoring 18 points, providing a much-needed spark for the Warriors. Meanwhile, Jackson-Davis, who had been out of the rotation for several months, made an impact in his 19 minutes of play, contributing 15 points. Kerr noted, "Everything has to be about finding a new formula and JK is absolutely a part of that formula. [TJD] showed he can be effective against this team." This newfound depth will be crucial for the Warriors as they strive to reclaim their dominance.
As the game approaches, predictions are rolling in. ESPN gives the Timberwolves a 55.1% chance to win, while the Warriors are slightly behind at 44.9%. Meanwhile, Sports Betting Dime forecasts a narrow victory for Minnesota, predicting a score of 112.6 to 111.2. Dimers’ model is even more optimistic for the Timberwolves, offering them a 66% win probability with a projected score of 103 to 98.
Interestingly, FanDuel presents a contrasting view, suggesting the Warriors have a 56.4% chance of defeating the Timberwolves in Game 3. This divergence in predictions highlights the unpredictable nature of playoff basketball, where every game can turn on a single moment.
The Timberwolves, who have a 39-42-1 record against the spread this season, are looking to capitalize on their current form. Their ability to score consistently has seen their games hit the over 45 times this season, making them a formidable opponent. The Warriors, with a 41-38-3 record against the spread, have proven they can perform under pressure, especially with a 6-4 record when underdogs by 5 points or more.
Fans are eagerly anticipating how the Warriors will adapt without Curry and whether their new rotation will pay off. The energy in Golden State is palpable as they prepare to host the Timberwolves for back-to-back games, knowing that they must secure at least one victory to avoid falling behind 3-1 in the series.
The rivalry between these two teams has been intense, and with the stakes higher than ever, Game 3 is shaping up to be a must-watch event. Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, and how they exploit each other’s vulnerabilities will be key to the outcome.
As the clock ticks down to tip-off, fans are left wondering: will the Timberwolves build on their momentum, or can the Warriors find a way to rally without their star player? The answer will unfold on the court, where every play counts, and the thrill of playoff basketball reigns supreme.
With all eyes on Golden State, the anticipation is building for what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Will the Timberwolves capitalize on their favored status, or can the Warriors defy the odds and take a crucial lead in the series? Only time will tell as the NBA playoffs continue to deliver drama and excitement.
