The Golden State Warriors (69-8) are three wins away from matching the NBA single-season wins record and just one from taking sole possession of second place. Their next opponent is the Minnesota Timberwolves (25-52), a team that has long been eliminated from playoff contention.
The Warriors rebounded Saturday in a 136-111 win over the Portland Trail Blazers after they suffered their first home loss of the season Friday against the Boston Celtics. Golden State needs to finish the year with a 4-1 mark to break the NBA record for most wins in a season. Minnesota actually gave the Warriors a tough fight in their last meeting, but fell 109-104 at home. So who will come out on top in this matchup? Here's our preview and prediction for Warriors vs. Timberwolves.
Game Info:
When: 10:30 p.m. ET
Where: Oracle Arena, Oakland, California
TV: TNT
Spread: Warriors by 14
O/U: 225
Key To The Game:
Will the Warriors cut down on their mistakes? That's what cost them against the Boston Celtics and kept Portland in the game early. Golden State turned it over 22 times against Boston, but cut that number down to 12 against the Trail Blazers. The Warriors had some sloppy games recently, and another will put them in trouble against Minnesota. The Timberwolves are far from the best team in the NBA, but there's plenty of young talent and they can't be overlooked. The T-Wolves have lost three straight games and are 0-2 against the Warriors this year. Don't be surprised if Stephen Curry has a monster game.
What They're Saying About The Golden State Warriors:
Draymond Green Making A Point To Cut Down On Technicals (San Jose Mercury News)
Are The Golden State Warriors Pushing Too Hard (Bleacher Report)
Steph Curry's Hand-Eye Coordination Is A Marvel (San Francisco Chronicle)
What They're Saying About The Minnesota Timberwolves:
How To Stop The Unstoppable (Timberwolves Website)
Interim Coach Sam Mitchell Wants Wolves To Finish With Professional Attitude (Star Tribune)
Weak Timberwolves Bench Needs To Be Addressed (FanSided)
Prediction: Warriors win 120-105
The Timberwolves could be a really good team in a few years. But right now, they simple don't have the ability of the Warriors. Golden State should win this one easily, unless they beat themselves. The Warriors are heavily favored for a reason and they should prove Vegas right tonight. The Warriors are on a mission to reach 73 wins and being so close should help them keep their level of play high.