Warriors vs Timberwolves 2019 NBA Odds, Preview & Pick

The Golden State Warriors’ dynasty could be coming to an end. If the 2019-20 season ended today, the Warriors would not be headed to the playoffs but instead to the lottery. Team leader Stephen Curry is out with a broken hand, and the team has dropped four of their last five contests, including a 129-112 rout at the hands of the Houston Rockets in their last game on Wednesday night. Remember — in addition to Curry, the Warriors do not have Klay Thompson (knee), D’Angelo Russell (ankle) or Draymond Green (torn ligament in a finger). Kevin Durant is also hurt — but he is a Brooklyn Net now. Golden State has not started a season 2-6 since the 2011-12 campaign. They will almost certainly improve, but now they prepare to face a Minnesota team that is 4-3 and maybe foundering a bit themselves. They lost by 28 at home to Milwaukee on Monday and then got drilled in Memphis by 16 on Wednesday. Can the Timberwolves come home and take care of business against a depleted Golden State roster? Or will we see that that 4-1 start in Minnesota was just a flash in the pan? Don’t miss our sports betting thoughts on this Western Conference clash.

Warriors vs Timberwolves 2019 NBA Odds, Preview & Pick

GAME DAY pic.twitter.com/jcMEw2Fozw

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) November 8, 2019

When: Friday, November 8, 2019, 8:00 pm ET Where: Target Center, Minneapolis, MN TV: Fox Sports North Radio: 95.7 FM The Game San Francisco / WCCO 830 AM Minneapolis/St. Paul Live Stream: NBA League Pass NBA Odds: Minnesota -12

Why should you bet on the Warriors?

Golden State’s loss in Houston was not as much of a blowout as the final score indicated. Shooting guard Jordan Poole struggled on the night, going just 2 for 11 for eight points over 26 minutes. Some better shooting from him (and some defense from the Warriors down the stretch) could have made the difference. After all, James Harden went off for 36 points for Houston in that game, as the Warriors just lost intensity over the course of the game. People are writing about Golden State’s porous defense (and it is generous, to be sure, as you will see below). However, Minnesota’s is almost as giving, especially in terms of opponent shooting percentage. The Timberwolves’ opponents have shot 48.1 percent from the floor so far in the season, the fourth worst mark in the NBA to this point. So if Golden State has some shooters who can get hot, it does not sound like Minnesota has much to stop them right now.

Why should you put your money on the Timberwolves?

The last time these two teams met, back in March 2019, Minnesota won, 131-130. An issue that remains a problem for Golden State, as they are permitting 121.5 points per night. They might not be able to get as much scoring with Curry and Thompson on the bench, but defense is more about hustle and effort within the right scheme as it is about talent. The Warriors are allowing their opponents to shoot 49 percent from the floor, which means that hands are not going into opponents’ faces to contest shots, and without that effort, you just can’t win. Those Warriors who do remain from the 2018-19 roster could well be suffering from Finals hangover. The team has been a perennial finalist, which means a lot more wear on the legs — and a higher mental toll. Seeing the underdog Raptors beat them in the Finals last year could still be taking a while to wear off. If you like the Timberwolves here, you see one or more of their stars going off on the Warriors, as Andrew Wiggins did on Wednesday night, putting up 30 points and six assists in a losing effort.

Final Score Prediction

It has been fun to watch Golden State transform the pro basketball game into a wonder of speed, ball movement and deadly shooting. However, it looks like their dynasty is headed for a major rebuild. But can the Timberwolves really beat them by a dozen at home? I’m not seeing it. I predict a final score of Minnesota 111, Golden State 107.