All year, the Western Conference has been lauded as deep and talented.
That remains true as four teams remain in the West playoffs, including the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves and seventh-seeded Golden State Warriors, who will face each other in a conference semifinals series.
That means a No. 7 or No. 6 seed will reach the conference finals.
Warriors-Timberwolves features stars (Steph Curry, Anthony Edwards), and the series is a matchup of one team trying to extend its dynasty (Golden State) and another trying to reach its first NBA Finals (Minnesota).
Here’s everything you need to know about the second-round series between the Timberwolves and Warriors:
Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves most important players to watch
Anthony Edwards, guard, Timberwolves: Edwards was the most impactful player on the court in the Timberwolves’ first-round series victory against the Los Angeles Lakers. He averaged 26.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.2 steals and shot 42% from the field, 33.3% on 3-pointers and 77.4% on free throws (his shooting efficiency needs to improve in the second round, for sure). Julius Randle’s play is important, too, but the Timberwolves can win games when Randle isn’t elite. The Timberwolves need Edwards – not just his talent but his confidence, too – to be the best player on the court to win this series.
Jimmy Butler, forward, Warriors: The Warriors acquired Butler at the trade deadline so they were better equipped to make another run at a title with Steph Curry and Draymond Green. The Warriors are 27-10, including the playoffs, with Bulter in the lineup. He has improved the Warriors offensively and defensively and gives them a chance to get back to the conference finals. Yes, Curry needs to play well, but it’s Playoff Jimmy that can push the Warriors to the next round.
Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves preview
How the Timberwolves will win: The Timberwolves are well coached (just devised a game plan to limit Luka Doncic and LeBron James), defend, have some depth and can score just enough to eke out victories with Edwards leading. The Timberwolves had a solid first round. If indeed Edwards is the best player on the court in the series, Minnesota could be playing in the conference finals for the second consecutive season. Coach Chris Finch’s ability to gameplan for an opponent is a big part of the Timberwolves’ success.
How the Warriors will win: Curry. Green. Butler. Coach Steve Kerr. That kind of experience is what drives a team deeper in the playoffs. Throw in shooting from Buddy Hield and Brandin Podziemski, solid defense and minimal turnovers and the Warriors have a recipe for success.
Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves stat
The Timberwolves are No. 2 in offensive rebounding and No. 1 in second-chance points in the playoffs.
Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves predictions
Lorenzo Reyes: Timberwolves in six
Heather Tucker: Timberwolves in seven
James Williams: Timberwolves in six
Jeff Zillgitt: Timberwolves in seven
Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves schedule
Game 1: Warriors at Timberwolves | Tuesday, May 6, 9:30 p.m. | TNT
Game 2: Warriors at Timberwolves | Thursday, May 8, 8:30 p.m. | TNT
Game 3: Timberwolves at Warriors | Saturday, May 10, 8:30 p.m. | ABC
Game 4: Timberwolves at Warriors | Monday, May 12, 10 p.m. | ESPN
Game 5: Warriors at Timberwolves | Wednesday, May 14, time TBD | TNT*
Game 6: Timberwolves at Warriors | Sunday, May 18, TBD | TBD*
Game 7: Warriors at Timberwolves | Tuesday, May 20, 8:30 | ESPN *
All times Eastern. *-if necessary
Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves season series
Warriors won the series 3-1.
Dec. 6: Timberwolves 107, Warriors 90
Dec. 8: Warriors 114, Timberwolves 106
Dec. 21: Warriors 113, Timberwolves 103
Jan. 15: Warriors 116, Timberwolves 115
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Warriors vs. Timberwolves: Players to watch, predictions, TV schedule
