Golden State Warriors vs Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Pick & Prediction 12/21/24

At 8:00 ET, the Golden State Warriors (14-12) will travel to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves (14-12) in a Western Conference matchup. The Timberwolves are currently favored by 3.5 points.

Golden State is currently on a three-game losing streak and is 10th in the Western Conference. Minnesota is 8th in the West and 3rd in the Northwest Division.

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS VS MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES BETTING PICK

The Pick: Golden State Warriors +3.5

This game will be played at Target Center at 8:00 ET on Saturday, December 21st.

WHY BET THE GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS:

  • We have this one finishing with a projected score of 134-130 in favor of the Warriors.
  • Our projections have Stephen Curry finishing with 23 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists.
  • From the field, we have the Warriors finishing with a field goal percentage of 47.2% and knocking down 17 threes.

Can the Warriors Pull Off a Win at Minneapolis?

The Warriors fell to 14-12 on the season after a crushing 144-93 road loss to the Grizzlies on Thursday. Entering the game as +2.5 point underdogs, Golden State failed to cover the spread, and the combined score of 237 points narrowly missed the O/U line of 238.5.

Memphis set the tone early, going on an 11-0 run to extend their lead from 31-15 to 42-15. The Grizzlies continued to dominate, outscoring the Warriors 32-23 in the 2nd quarter and 40-21 in the 3rd. Golden State managed 34 points in the 4th, but Memphis still edged them 35-34 in the final period.

In their 144-93 loss to the Grizzlies, the Warriors shot just 35.6% from the field, with a 33.3% mark from beyond the arc, hitting 12 threes. Brandin Podziemski led the way with 21 points, 16 of which came in the 4th quarter, while Andrew Wiggins added 19 points, including 9 in the opening period.

Kyle Anderson contributed 11 points, knocking down 3 threes at a 75% clip, and Jonathan Kuminga also finished with 11 points, 7 of which came in the final quarter. Wiggins connected on 4 threes, shooting 80% from deep.

The Warriors struggled defensively on Thursday, giving up 144 points to the Grizzlies. Memphis scored at least 32 points in every quarter, including 40 in the 3rd. The Grizzlies shot 54% from the field.

Golden State also had trouble defending the three, allowing 27 made threes on 56% shooting. The Warriors sent Memphis to the line 15 times, where they made 11 free throws. Golden State finished with 11 steals and 5 blocks.

Can Minnesota Secure a Home Victory?

The Timberwolves fell to 14-12 on the season after a 133-107 home loss to the Knicks on Thursday. Minnesota, favored by 3.5 points, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The game’s total of 240 points went well over the pre-game line of 214.

After a close 1st quarter (33-32), the Knicks went on an 11-0 run and dominated the 2nd quarter, outscoring the Timberwolves 41-18. New York extended their lead to 104-74 by the end of the 3rd quarter. Minnesota outscored the Knicks 33-29 in the 4th, but it was too late to mount a comeback.

In their loss to the Knicks, the Timberwolves shot 46.1% from the field, but their three-point shooting stood out, as they hit 17 threes at a 40.5% rate. Julius Randle led the way with 24 points, including 4 threes at 50% efficiency, while Anthony Edwards added 17 points and 7 assists, connecting on 3 threes.

Randle did most of his damage early, scoring 15 points in the 1st quarter. Donte DiVincenzo contributed 15 points, with 11 coming in the 4th, and Josh Minott also scored all 11 of his points in the final period.

The Timberwolves struggled defensively on Thursday, giving up 133 points to the Knicks, including a 41-point 2nd quarter. Minnesota allowed New York to shoot 51% from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Knicks hit 20 threes at a 44% clip. The Timberwolves also gave up 16 offensive rebounds but managed 10 steals and 5 blocks.