The Minnesota Timberwolves are set to face off against the Golden State Warriors in Game 3 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California. The matchup is crucial for both teams, as the Timberwolves look to capitalize on their current momentum while the Warriors aim to bounce back after dropping the first two games of the series.
As the game approaches, the Timberwolves have been established as 5-point favorites, with an over/under set at 200.5 points. This season, both teams have consistently surpassed this point total, with the Timberwolves achieving the over in 72 out of 82 games and the Warriors matching that feat in the same number of contests. This trend suggests that fans can expect an exciting, high-scoring showdown.
Historically, the Timberwolves have had a strong record against the spread, boasting a 7-3 mark in their last ten games and finishing with an overall record of 8-2 during that stretch. Minnesota has averaged 214.7 combined points in their last ten games, significantly higher than the current over/under of 200.5. Their scoring prowess is led by Anthony Edwards, who has been putting up an impressive 27.6 points per game, along with 5.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists. Edwards has been a key player for the Timberwolves, shooting 44.7% from the field and 39.5% from beyond the arc, making him a critical asset as they look to take control of the series.
On the other side, the Warriors have struggled with consistency recently, holding a 4-6 record against the spread and a 5-5 overall in their last ten games. Despite these challenges, they have managed to score an average of 113.8 points per game, just 4.5 points more than what the Timberwolves allow. The Warriors are led by Jimmy Butler, who is averaging 17.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, while Draymond Green contributes 9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per contest.
However, the biggest concern for the Warriors heading into Game 3 is the status of their star player, Steph Curry. Curry suffered a hamstring injury in Game 1 and was unable to participate in Game 2. According to ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania, Curry has been limited to treatment with no on-court activities, and he will be reevaluated on May 14. Charania indicated that Curry could potentially return for Game 6 if the series extends to that point. This injury is particularly concerning for the Warriors, as it marks the first muscle strain of Curry's career, and the team is understandably cautious about rushing him back into action.
The Warriors have a tough road ahead, needing to win at least one of the next three games to keep their championship hopes alive. The team has a four-day gap between Games 5 and 6, providing a window for Curry's recovery if they can secure a victory in the upcoming games. As the series progresses, the Warriors will need to rely on their depth and experience to navigate these challenges.
Looking at the betting insights, the Timberwolves have a solid track record when favored, with 40 wins in 62 contests this season. They have also shown resilience by winning 36 of their 48 games when scoring over 110.5 points. Conversely, the Warriors have been successful in 33 of their 51 games when scoring more than 109.3 points, indicating that both teams have the potential to put up significant numbers.
As the anticipation builds for Game 3, the Timberwolves are looking to take a commanding lead in the series, while the Warriors aim to regain their footing and make a statement on their home court. Fans can tune in to watch the action live on ABC at 8:30 p.m. ET, as both teams battle for a pivotal win in this best-of-seven series.
In summary, the Timberwolves are primed to take advantage of their current form and the absence of Curry, while the Warriors must find a way to rally together and secure a crucial win. With both teams having a history of high-scoring games, fans can expect an electrifying matchup that could shift the momentum of the series.
