What’s up with the Golden State Warriors?
The Warriors have won three straight games, picking up big Ws versus the Rockets, Mavericks, and Sixers. Still, they’re only up to sixth in the West; their playoff spot is not fully secured. That’s because they went on a three-game losing streak the week prior.
With a win-loss record of 39-36, the Warriors are tied with the Clippers, but three teams (the Wolves included) are breathing down their necks. A three-game homestand that starts with a matchup with the Wolves will definitely help their cause.
What’s up with the Minnesota Timberwolves?
Anthony Edwards has been the de facto leader of the Wolves with Karl-Anthony Towns missing about four months of basketball. Somehow, he has managed to keep Minnesota afloat, leading all scorers at an average of almost 25 points per game.
The good news is that KAT has returned and is instantly in peak form. In just his first game back, Towns scored 22 points, grabbed four rebounds, and dished out three assists in 26 minutes. The Wolves are riding a two-game winning streak.
The bad news is that with less than 10 games remaining in their season, their playoff chances have yet to be decided. At 37-37, the Wolves are in a three-way tie with the Lakers and the Pelicans, all of which are battling for play-in tournament position.
Storyline to watch out for
Both Towns and Edwards are game-time decisions for this game, but either would surely have to show up in this crucial stretch. It’s been awhile since the Wolves operated in full-force. In the absence of KAT–and Edwards recently–players like Jaden McDaniels, Kyle Anderson, and Taurean Prince have stepped up as key contributors.
The thin-lineup Warriors will need to watch out for these names to keep their hold on the sixth spot, at least for now.
Prediction
Gary Payton II is expected to make his return to the Warriors for this game, adding another warm body for their championship defense. However, playing without Andrew Wiggins has really taken a toll on Golden State and stretched out offensive games of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Jordan Poole.
Should the Wolves show up with a complete lineup for this one, the Warriors may see their short winning streak come to a quick end.
