Golden State Warriors face long betting odds against the Minnesota Timberwolves in their series, marking the Warriors as historic underdogs in this matchup.
The Golden State Warriors have pulled off an unexpected feat, defying the odds as underdogs in the current playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This marks the first time since the 2016 Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder that the Warriors have been underdogs in an NBA playoffs series [3].
In that historic series, the Warriors, led by Stephen Curry, came back from a 3-1 deficit to win the series and advance to the NBA Finals. Since then, the Warriors have generally been favourites or top contenders in the playoffs, including winning titles in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022, and were not underdogs in those series [1][3][4].
The Warriors' recent turnaround began on Feb. 8, marking an unprecedented transformation [2]. Since the acquisition of Andrew Wiggins and Gary Payton II, the team has shown significant improvement, particularly on the defensive end. This is evident in their recent performance, where they have notched a 27-11 record with the NBA's No. 1 defensive rating since Butler's debut with the team [6].
On the other hand, the Timberwolves have relied heavily on isolations, tallying 40.5 per 100 possessions in their series against the Lakers, the highest rate among any first-round matchup [5]. However, the Warriors' bench has outscored Minnesota by 25.6 points per 100 possessions in Anthony Edwards' 41 minutes off the court [7].
The series schedule includes a total of seven games, with the potential for a Game 7 on Tuesday, May 20 at Minnesota [8]. As for the betting odds, the Warriors are currently the underdogs for their Western Conference semifinal matchup against the Timberwolves [9].
For those interested in sports betting, several promotions are available. FanDuel Sportsbook is offering a promotion where you can bet $5 and get $150 in bonus bets if your bet wins [10]. BetMGM Sportsbook is offering a promotion where you can get up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet doesn't win [11]. Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook is offering a promotion where you can bet $5 and get $150 in bonus bets instantly [12]. Fanatics Sportsbook is also offering a promotion where you can bet and get up to $1,000 in no sweat bets [13].
Game 1 of the Warriors vs. Timberwolves series will be on Tuesday, May 6 at Minnesota, starting at 9:30 p.m. ET on TNT [14]. The Warriors' journey as underdogs in the playoffs adds an exciting twist to this highly anticipated series.
[1] ESPN.com - Golden State Warriors Postseason History [2] ESPN.com - Golden State Warriors' Unprecedented Turnaround [3] NBA.com - Warriors' Comeback in 2016 Western Conference Finals [4] Basketball-Reference.com - Golden State Warriors Postseason Favourites [5] NBA.com - Timberwolves' Isolation Heavy Offence [6] NBA.com - Warriors' Defensive Improvement since Butler's Debut [7] NBA.com - Warriors' Bench Outscoring Timberwolves [8] NBA.com - Warriors vs. Timberwolves Series Schedule [9] ESPN.com - Warriors vs. Timberwolves Betting Odds [10] FanDuel.com - Sportsbook Promotions [11] BetMGM.com - Sportsbook Promotions [12] HardRockBet.com - Sportsbook Promotions [13] Fanatics.com - Sportsbook Promotions [14] NBA.com - Warriors vs. Timberwolves Game 1 Schedule
- The Golden State Warriors, who have historically been favorites in the NBA playoffs, are currently underdogs in their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking the first time since the 2016 Western Conference Finals.
- In the 2016 series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Warriors, led by Stephen Curry, managed to come back from a 3-1 deficit to win the series and advance to the NBA Finals.
- The Warriors' recent transformation began after the acquisition of Andrew Wiggins and Gary Payton II, which has significantly improved the team's defensive performance.
- The Timberwolves, on the other hand, heavily rely on isolations and have the highest rate of such plays among any first-round matchup.
- The Warriors' bench has outperformed Minnesota's bench, particularly in Anthony Edwards' absence from the court.
- For those interested in sports betting, several promotions are available from FanDuel Sportsbook, BetMGM Sportsbook, Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook, and Fanatics Sportsbook, offering bonus bets for placing specific wagers.
