Timberwolves vs Warriors NBA Picks
The Timberwolves are out of the playoffs so you have to wonder how high their motivation will be, especially playing the second game of a back to back so far from home. [ad-4468020]
Free NBA Predictions
Minnesota Timberwolves (40-40) vs. Golden State Warriors (49-31)
Monday April 14
Oracle Arena – Oakland, CA
10:30PM
Spread: Warriors -7.5
Total: 210
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Minnesota
The last time these teams played it was Minnesota who topped the Warriors, also on the road, with a furious 4th quarter to win by a point.
But that result was back in January when there was a lot more to play for. I know these guys are pros but they are still people.
Minnesota’s top three scorers – Kevin Love, Kevin Martin and Nikola Pekovic – are all banged up at right now. With nothing left to play for it is questionable whether we will see them in any of the teams final games. With them on the sidelines other players are getting a chance, guys like Corey Brewer who scored 51 points against Houston.
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In that same game rookie center Georgui Dieng had 20 rebounds. His game has gotten much better in the second half.
The Wolves lost a close one Sunday against Sacramento. They looked a little healthier but on 0 days rest are they really going to put up much resistance to Golden State, who need a win to avoid slipping in the playoff pecking order.
Its their last road game of the year so a perfect storm for mailing it in.
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Golden State
Even though there are only a couple of games left the Warriors could move up or down depending on how they and other teams fare over the final week of play. A big factor will be how they do in their game against Portland the night before.
If they win that one they have a shot of overtaking the Blazer to set up a series against the Rockets. However, it might be in their best interest to stay in their current slot and meet the Clippers in the first round.
Golden State has been experimenting with their lineup lately with Draymond Green starting and David Lee coming off the bench in their game against the Lakers.
I am not sure I like the switch against teams with a powerful front line but it does not look like that is going to be the case against Minnesota for this one. The Warriors just need to get to the playoffs with everyone healthy.
This feels like a must win for GS to me. Coming off a tough overtime loss they may do just enough to get there but they have to be the play against a Minnesota team going through the motions to close out the season.
Both teams played the night before so this may not be the crispest game.
Spread Prediction: -7.5
Total Prediction: UNDER
Score Prediction: Golden State 101 – Minnesota 84
