The Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors head back to the Bay with the series tied 1-1. Game 3 is gonna be wild, and the vibes couldn’t be more different.
Minnesota’s riding a hot shooting night in Game 2, while Golden State’s still reeling from the reality of being without Stephen Curry. And yes, the bad news is official that Curry isn’t playing in this one. The Warriors need someone (anyone) to rise to the moment.
Warriors vs. Timberwolves Injury Report: Golden State Still Without Curry
Golden State’s worst-case scenario is unfolding in real time. Curry, sidelined with a left hamstring strain, is out for Game 3 and might not be back before Game 6, if at all. There’s no sugarcoating it: that’s a huge blow to the Warriors’ already shaky offense.
Without Curry, Golden State’s spacing takes a hit, ball movement slows, and defenders don’t have to panic every time a shooter breathes. That forces head coach Steve Kerr to get extra creative with rotations, and expect more ball handling to fall on Brandin Podziemski and Jimmy Butler III.
Speaking of Butler, he’s gonna need to bring every bit of that playoff fire fans have seen before. He’s older, sure, but he still has that instinct. If Butler can attack early, collapse the defense, and kick to shooters like Buddy Hield, the Warriors might just hang in.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves are in a better spot health-wise. Rob Dillingham is listed as questionable, but everyone else is ready to roll. And with Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards heating up again in Game 2, Minnesota is licking its chops.
Predicted Lineups and Game 3 Outlook
For its starting lineup, Golden State is expected to go with:
- Gary Payton II
- Brandin Podziemski
- Jimmy Butler III
- Moses Moody
- Draymond Green
Not exactly the Splash Bros 2.0, but there’s enough grit and IQ on the floor to make things interesting. Butler will have to lead with his voice and his game. That doesn’t mean taking 30 shots, but it does mean putting real pressure on Minnesota’s defense every trip.
The Timberwolves are expected to start:
- Mike Conley Jr.
- Anthony Edwards
- Jaden McDaniels
- Julius Randle
- Rudy Gobert
It’s a balanced, smart group that flashed real control in Game 2. Edwards is still the tone-setter, but it was McDaniels’ two-way energy — 16 points, three steals, three blocks — that really swung things.
MORE: Warriors Fans Lose All Hope Without Stephen Curry
Prediction? If Golden State can’t get scoring from Butler or spark Hield from deep, Minnesota has a good shot to take another one on the road. But if Butler gets downhill early and Green keeps the defense disruptive, this one could go down to the wire.
Game 3 tips off Saturday, May 10, at 8:30 p.m. ET in San Francisco.