Golden State Warriors face underdog status in their series against the Timberwolves, marking a historic shift in betting odds.
Golden State Warriors Defy Odds as Seventh Seeds in NBA Playoffs
The Golden State Warriors have made history as they advance in the NBA playoffs, defying the odds as the first seventh seed to do so since 1988. This remarkable feat was achieved by eliminating the Lakers in six games, a victory that also marked the only other occasion when a No. 7 seed was favored over a No. 2 seed, which occurred in 2021 when the Suns triumphed over the Lakers.
The Warriors' first-round series win marks their sixth triumph since 1988 as a seventh seed, a testament to their resilience and determination. This series will be broadcasted on TNT, ABC, and ESPN, ensuring fans from across the nation can witness this exciting playoff run.
The Warriors' impressive form has been aided by their bench, which outscored Minnesota by 25.6 points per 100 possessions in Anthony Edwards' 41 minutes off the court. Conversely, the Timberwolves' offensive strategy, which involved 40.5 isolations per 100 possessions in their series against the Lakers, was not enough to secure their victory.
Interestingly, it was the Timberwolves who snapped the Warriors' postseason series favored streak, which began in 2015 and included six championship banners. However, the Warriors have since notched a 27-11 record with the NBA's No. 1 defensive rating, thanks in large part to the addition of Butler.
The first game of the series between the Warriors and Timberwolves will take place on May 6 at Minnesota. As for the outcome of this highly anticipated matchup, the best price on the Warriors to advance to the Western Conference finals is 150 at BetMGM Sportsbook, indicating a strong underdog status for the Timberwolves.
It's worth noting that the last time the Warriors were underdogs in an NBA playoffs series was likely during the 2024-25 season, as they had a 40% underdog win percentage overall that season, including some playoff games where they were not favored. However, the 2025 NBA Finals, which went to a Game 7, saw the Warriors emerge victorious, indicating close competition against a strong opponent.
Despite their underdog status, the Warriors have never faced the Timberwolves in the playoffs before, making this series a fresh challenge for both teams. The series schedule includes a total of seven games, with potential games 5, 6, and 7 yet to be scheduled.
Minnesota, initially opening as a -130 favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook, has since been steamed up to the -180 range, reflecting the changing odds and public perception of the series. However, no special promotions or bonuses are currently being offered at popular sportsbooks like FanDuel, bet365, BetMGM, Fanatics, Hard Rock Bet, or Caesars for the Warriors.
As the playoffs progress, the Warriors' underdog status presents an intriguing narrative in their quest for another NBA championship. Regardless of the outcome, their journey so far has been nothing short of inspiring.
- The Golden State Warriors, touted as underdogs in the NBA playoffs, are poised to make history as they challenge the Timberwolves in the first round.
- Stepping onto the court as the seventh seed, the Warriors have been longshot contenders to advance to the Western Conference finals, with odds of 150 at BetMGM Sportsbook.
- The Warriors' resurgence in the NBA playoffs presents an opportunity for sports bettors to wager on a parlay that could potentially yield significant returns if the underdogs manage to defy expectations.
- The first game of the series will be a high-stakes affair as the Warriors, defying their moneyline underdog status, aim to prove their worth against the Timberwolves.
- Over/under, spread, and moneyline bets are all on the table for this captivating playoff series that has generated a lot of interest in the NBA sports betting community.
- Despite the changing odds and the Timberwolves initially opening as a favorite, the Warriors have shown remarkable promise in their recent games and could very well turn the tables on their opponents in this exciting sports betting environment.
