Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors: 2025 NBA Playoffs Game 5 Preview

 The Minnesota Timberwolves find themselves on the verge of advancing to the Western Conference Finals as they host the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of their playoff series on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 6:30 PM PDT at the Target Center in Minneapolis. The Timberwolves lead the series 3–1 and aim to clinch their first playoff series win at home since 2004.

🏀 Series Recap

The Timberwolves have showcased resilience and depth throughout the series, overcoming a Game 1 loss to secure three consecutive victories. In Game 4, Minnesota dominated the second half, outscoring the Warriors 39–17 and delivering a 33–24 fourth quarter surge to take a commanding 3–1 series lead. Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards led the charge with 31 and 30 points, respectively. Jonathan Kuminga continued his strong performance off the bench for the Warriors, scoring 23 points, but it wasn't enough to stave off the Timberwolves' momentum.

🔑 Storylines to Watch

Anthony Edwards' Emergence

Anthony Edwards has been a revelation in this series, drawing comparisons to Warriors star Stephen Curry. Over the last two games, Edwards has amassed 44 points across three critical quarters, including a standout third quarter with 16 points in Game 4. His elite shooting and athletic finesse have disrupted the Warriors' defense, and he'll be pivotal in Game 5.

Warriors' Injury Woes

The Warriors will be without their star player, Stephen Curry, who remains sidelined due to a Grade 1 hamstring strain suffered in Game 1. Curry has been ruled out for Game 5, and while there's hope he may return for Game 6, his absence leaves a significant void in Golden State's lineup.

Timberwolves' Defensive Strength

Rudy Gobert has anchored the Timberwolves' defense, earning his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award. His presence in the paint has been instrumental in limiting the Warriors' offensive opportunities, particularly in the absence of Curry.

📺 How to Watch

Game 5 will be broadcast nationally on TNT. For viewers in Bangladesh, the game is scheduled to air at 5:30 AM BST on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Streaming options are available through the NBA League Pass and TNT's digital platforms.

🏀 Game 5 Outlook

With a 3–1 series lead and home-court advantage, the Timberwolves are poised to close out the series and advance to the Western Conference Finals. However, the Warriors, despite Curry's absence, are a formidable opponent and will look to extend the series. Key performances from Edwards, Randle, and Gobert will be crucial for Minnesota's success. For Golden State, contributions from players like Jimmy Butler and Jonathan Kuminga will be essential to keep their playoff hopes alive.

As the Timberwolves aim to clinch the series at home, Game 5 promises to be a thrilling conclusion to this hard-fought matchup.