Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Game 2: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

The Golden State Warriors struck first with a 99-88 win in the opening game of their Western Conference Semifinals series with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the two teams meet again on Thursday.

This game now almost looks like a must-win assignment for Minnesota as falling 0-2 down and then having to play two games in San Francisco would leave them facing an uphill task.

The Timberwolves managed to take care of the Los Angeles Lakers in five games in their opening series, while the Dubs went into the first meeting on a high after coming out on top in a thrilling series with Houston Rockets with a Game 7 victory.

Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves betting picks and predictions

Minnesota Timberwolves -10.5 (-110)

The Minnesota Timberwolves need a response on Thursday and they should be able to level the series before these teams head to the Chase Center.

The Golden State Warriors managed a Game 1 win but that victory came at a huge cost as superstar guard Stephen Curry exited the game in the second quarter with a hamstring injury. The Dubs managed to build up a lead at halftime and held on to that advantage, but Curry won’t be involved in Game 2.

An exact timeline on Curry’s recovery is unclear but he is expected to sit out the next two games, with Game 4 a potential return date. The Warriors have a winning 7-5 record without Curry this season, but they may well fall short against a quality opponent like Minnesota.

It felt almost inevitable that Golden State would win the opening game of this series after its Game 7 heroics against the Rockets, whereas the Timberwolves had a few extra days off after wrapping up a series win against the Lakers early. That extra rest didn’t work in their favor in Game 1 but it might now as Golden State attempt to cope with the loss of Curry.

The hosts can respond with a win and can beat a -10.5 handicap on the spread. The Warriors managed to battle to a series win over Houston, but when they lost, they suffered some heavy defeats, losing by 15 points in Game 2 and Game 5, and eight points in Game 6.

The Timberwolves simply have to win here, as even without Curry, the Dubs are a dangerous team and will have home advantage for the following two games. The T-Wolves are unlikely to ease off even if they are ahead by double digits in the latter stages and can beat the handicap to tie the series.   

Gary Payton II Over 7.5 Points (-115)

After Curry left the court in Game 1, Golden State coach Steve Kerr turned to Gary Payton II to take his place and he could carry that move over into Thursday’s Game 2.

If Payton II starts he should reach eight points fairly comfortably. Even if he is handed a bench role, Over 7.5 still looks like a target he can attain.

Payton II finished with eight points in 26 minutes in Game 1 and averaged 6.5 per game during the regular season. The guard has been contributing in the postseason with at least eight points in total in four of his eight games, including the play-in win over the Memphis Grizzlies, and he can make a solid contribution against Minnesota on Thursday. 

Anthony Edwards Over 7.5 Rebounds (-105)

If Minnesota is to fight back and level the series it needs its own superstar to step up so we should expect a big game from Anthony Edwards.

Edwards averaged 5.7 rebounds per-game in the regular season but has upped his output in that statistic in the playoffs.

The guard averaged 8.4 per game in the first-round series against the Lakers and had 14 in the defeat to Golden State in Game 1, so Over 7.5 looks a target he should reach in Game 2.

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Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves odds

Golden State Warriors	+400 ML
Minnesota Timberwolves	-550 ML
Spread	MIN Timberwolves -10.5
Total Points	O/U 201.5

Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves player props

Player Points

Anthony Edwards (MIN Timberwolves)	O/U 27.5
Jimmy Butler (GS Warriors)	O/U 24.5
Julius Randle (MIN Timberwolves)	O/U 19.5
Buddy Hield (GS Warriors)	O/U 14.5
Jaden McDaniels (MIN Timberwolves)	O/U 12.5
Brandin Podziemski (GS Warriors)	O/U 12.5

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.