Minnesota Timberwolves vs Golden State Warriors Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

Frustrated Stars Face Off as Warriors Visit Timberwolves

Two frustrated teams with big ambitions will clash Saturday night in Minneapolis when the Golden State Warriors take on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Both squads are reeling after lopsided losses, with the Warriors falling by a staggering 51 points to the Memphis Grizzlies and the Timberwolves suffering a 26-point setback to the New York Knicks.

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Searching for Answers

The Timberwolves (14-11) and Warriors (13-12) are both wrestling with internal and external pressures. Minnesota’s top scorer Anthony Edwards did not mince words after Thursday’s loss, pointing to a lack of offensive cohesion.

“We don’t have any (offensive) identity,” Edwards said. “We know I’m going to shoot a bunch of shots. We know (Julius) Randle is going to shoot a bunch of shots. That’s all we know. We don’t really know anything else.”

Meanwhile, the Warriors are grappling with their own inconsistencies. Stephen Curry, coming off his worst offensive performance of the season with just two points on 0-for-7 shooting against Memphis, emphasized the need for urgency without panic.

“I don’t like the ‘panic’ word,” Curry said. “Accept where you are and try to change the momentum of the season. Panic kind of means you don’t have an answer. I think we do have answers.”

Stars in Focus

Edwards has been a bright spot for the Timberwolves, averaging 25.9 points per game. However, his frustration with the team’s lack of offensive rhythm underscores the challenges Minnesota faces. Edwards will look to bounce back after a 16-point effort against New York, where his shooting and overall impact fell below his usual standards.

For the Warriors, Curry remains the focal point. Despite his rare off night against Memphis, he leads Golden State with 22.0 points and 6.4 assists per game. Andrew Wiggins (17.8 ppg) and Jonathan Kuminga (15.3 ppg) will need to step up as the Warriors seek to avoid a fourth consecutive loss.

Supporting Cast Struggles

Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert, averaging a double-double with 10.3 points and 10.7 rebounds, is coming off one of his least effective games of the season. Gobert managed just three points and four rebounds in 22 minutes against the Knicks, raising questions about his consistency.

Golden State’s supporting cast also has room for improvement. Buddy Hield, averaging 14.1 points, has been streaky, and the Warriors’ reliance on Curry’s heroics often leaves little margin for error.

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Season Series So Far

The teams split their first two meetings this season in San Francisco. Minnesota claimed a dominant 107-90 victory on Dec. 6, fueled by 30 points from Edwards. Golden State responded with a 114-106 win two days later, led by Curry’s 30-point effort.

This third matchup comes at a pivotal point for both teams as they look to find stability in a crowded Western Conference. Minnesota will aim to reestablish home-court advantage, while Golden State seeks to reverse its road woes and halt its losing streak.

Keys to the Game

• For Minnesota: Establish an offensive rhythm and get contributions from players beyond Edwards. Gobert’s presence inside will be critical to containing the Warriors’ guards.
• For Golden State: Limit turnovers and find secondary scoring options to alleviate pressure on Curry. Defensive intensity, particularly in transition, will be key.

The stage is set for a showdown between two teams desperate to regain their footing, with Edwards and Curry poised to lead their respective squads in a high-stakes clash.