Our staff is largely leaning toward the Dubs winning a long series. What do you think?
The Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves will face off in Game 1 of their Western Conference Semifinal series tonight. Here’s our staff predictions for the Dubs next NBA Playoffs series.
Brady’s prediction: Warriors in 6
So much depends on the physical state of the Warriors. Do they have energy left after a physically-draining seven-game series in which their stars played heavy minutes? Is Jimmy Butler III close to full strength? If the answer to those questions is “no,” then this prediction will make me look like a homer. But I’m banking on the answer being a “yes.” The Dubs looked energized on Sunday when they remembered to stick with the game plan. Butler was moving more gracefully.
And if they’re not physically compromised? Well, I just think the Warriors are a little bit better, and certainly more experienced than the Timberwolves. The Dubs played Minny well this year, winning three of four games … all of which occurred before acquiring Butler, who should see a good amount of time defending Anthony Edwards. Golden State looked very mortal against Houston but, now that they’re matched up with a team that’s not quite as physical and athletic, I think they’ll remind everyone that they were one of the best teams in the NBA after the trade deadline.
Joe’s prediction: Wolves in 6
“Is there a path for the Warriors to win this one? Of course — we’re talking about Curry, Green, and Butler, after all, three proven playoff commodities. Take just one of the first two games on the road and the path becomes slightly wider. Lose both of them and the path becomes as narrow as a tightrope. The margin for error is equally narrow, with the prospect of having to guard Edwards (i.e., who to guard him with, how to guard him, which coverages to send out, etc.) being a more daunting task compared to the Rockets, who didn’t have a primary option that could approximate Edwards’ talents.” Read Joe’s full analysis/series preview here.
Daniel’s prediction: Warriors in 6.
Gobert is eventually going to make the Twloves play 4-on 5 offensively in critical moments. Also, in transition and on scramble mode, Gobert will have to find GSW’s perimeter guys and keep them from knocking down easy triples. He won’t be able to do it. There’s enough wiggle room in the margins here for the Dubs to make a fool out of Minnesota. That said, Antman is kind of terrifying. Just not as scary as Steph Curry and the return of Playoff Jimmy.
Lev’s prediction: Warriors in 7
Oh girl. I’m a little worried. I’m always worried. We’re too old. We’re too young. We’re a mess. They’re a mess. We have Steph Curry. They have Anthony Edwards. We have Draymond Green. They have Rudy Gobert. We have Jimmy Butler. They have Julius Randle. God, we are so old. Maybe the Wolves take it. Maybe they don’t. It’s a toss-up. Only time will tell. Maybe Steph makes a logo three or something. Maybe Draymond doesn’t beat anybody up this series. Go Dubs. I’m good in the West. It’s such a toss-up.
Ricko’s prediction: Warriors in 7
The odds are literally stacked against the Warriors in this matchup against the Timberwolves. For the first time in the Steve Kerr era, Golden State enters a seven-game postseason series as the underdog, according to ESPN. It’s easy to see why: the Wolves have home court, they have a significant rest advantage, and they have Anthony Edwards—who averaged 26.8 points per game in the first round against the Lakers and has already been dubbed by many as the next face of the league.
Picking the Warriors would be insane. But maybe that’s the point. Steph Curry, at 37 years old, just out-conditioned Amen Thompson—arguably the NBA’s best athlete—drilling clutch threes while Thompson was slowed by cramps in the most important game of the season. Draymond Green started at center for most of the year and just went blow-for-blow against one of the most physical frontcourts in the league. And while everyone’s debating if 100 men could beat a gorilla, Jimmy Butler had his agent telling people to “pray for the bear.”
These Warriors are the definition of insanity. So why should we expect anything different from them?
Marc’s prediction: Warriors in 7
“If the circumstances were more evenly matched, I’d pick the Warriors to win the series in five games. However, with just one day of rest between matchups for the first five games, and a Draymond suspension highly foreseeable, it will be an uphill battle. I expect Golden State to win two of the first five games, which will give both teams three days off prior to Game 6 in the Bay. I expect the Warriors to win a Game 7 on the road for the second-straight series.” Read Marc’s full prediction/analysis here.
What’s your prediction? Let us know in the comments!