As the 2025 NBA Playoffs roar into another thrilling matchday, Thursday’s fixture slate delivers high-stakes basketball and narratives that go well beyond the scoreboard. Fans are set for a pulsating evening of playoff action, with team chemistry, injury setbacks, and legacy-defining performances all colliding on the hardwood.
One matchup particularly rich with drama features the Golden State Warriors visiting the Minnesota Timberwolves for Game 2 of their Western Conference semi-final series. After an assertive road win in Game 1, the Warriors enter this second clash with a 1-0 series advantage — but without the heartbeat of their team, Stephen Curry, whose absence due to a hamstring injury casts a long shadow.
Meanwhile, Minnesota is desperate to bounce back on home turf. They struggled in the series opener after a lengthy layoff and will need their stars to respond quickly — not only to the Warriors’ physicality but to the psychological battle of playoff basketball. Let’s break down this marquee encounter.
Golden State Warriors at Minnesota Timberwolves
Match Info
- NBA Western Conference Semifinals – Game 2
- Thursday 8th May 2025 – 20:30 EST / 01:30 BST (Fri)
- Target Center, Minneapolis, USA
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors may be missing their most iconic player, but this team is no stranger to adversity. With Stephen Curry sidelined due to a hamstring strain sustained in Game 1, Golden State will lean heavily on depth and experience. Jimmy Butler, who was acquired mid-season from the Heat, immediately becomes the focal point on both ends of the floor. Butler’s near triple-double performance (20 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists) in Game 1 is proof of his playoff pedigree and his ability to shoulder the load when needed.
Beyond Butler, the Warriors have sharpshooting options in Buddy Hield — who led the team with 24 points in the opener — and a hungry supporting cast. Brandin Podziemski will be eager to bounce back after a cold shooting night, and head coach Steve Kerr’s confidence in his team’s adaptability will be put to the test. With a postseason record of 8-3 without Curry, this team knows how to win when counted out.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota’s flat Game 1 performance left fans frustrated, but the Timberwolves know they’re far from out of the fight. Anthony Edwards, who managed just one point in the first half and finished 9-of-22 from the field, has already promised a sharper display in Game 2. He will need to bring his trademark aggression and consistency if the Wolves are to even the series before heading to San Francisco.
The supporting cast must also rise to the occasion. Mike Conley was ice-cold in the opener, going 0-for-5 from the floor, while Donte DiVincenzo struggled to convert quality looks. Julius Randle, a proven playoff performer, scored 18 but grabbed just three rebounds — something he himself admitted must improve. With the series slipping away, Game 2 is a defining moment for Minnesota’s campaign.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Golden State Warriors to win
Despite Curry’s absence, the Warriors looked poised and efficient in Game 1, and with Jimmy Butler taking the reins, they still possess the tools to silence the Minnesota crowd once more. Golden State’s experience, defence, and clutch shooting — led by Hield and Butler — give them a narrow edge heading into Game 2.
America Bet Score Prediction
Golden State Warriors 105 – 100 Minnesota Timberwolves
Expect a closer contest than the opener, but the Warriors’ discipline and depth may again prove too much for a Timberwolves team still trying to find its rhythm.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Golden State Warriors to win
- Under 210.5 total match points
- Buddy Hield to score 20+ points
- Jimmy Butler to record 7+ assists
- Julius Randle over 6.5 rebounds
- Anthony Edwards over 24.5 points
- First quarter winner – Golden State Warriors
- Both teams to score 100+ points – Yes
- Donte DiVincenzo under 2.5 three-pointers made
- Game to be decided by 5 points or fewer
