Timberwolves vs. Warriors NBA Playoffs Game 4 Best Bets: Can Golden State Even the Series?

Locked-In and Loaded

The Minnesota Timberwolves have definitely gotten hot at the right time.

The Timberwolves finished the regular season 18-4 and dispatched the Los Angeles Lakers in just five games. Now the Timberwolves are up 2-1 against the Warriors, so they are 24-6 in their last 30 games, including the NBA playoffs.

This is an impressive feat against the league’s top competition.

Timberwolves Morph Into True Contenders

While the greatness of Anthony Edwards is the main reason the Timberwolves are here, let’s take a look at some of the supporting cast members who have helped Edwards turn this team into a legitimate contender.

Julius Randle has long been derided by NBA pundits as a player who can put up a big stat line but doesn’t help you win. Randle also had poor performances in the NBA playoffs as a member of the New York Knicks. However, Randle has stepped up this playoffs, not only on the offensive end but with excellent defense. He is oftentimes criticized for being disinterested on defense, but when he gives the proper effort, he’s an excellent defender.

Rudy Gobert is another player who is maligned for poor playoff performances, but he has been strong this season as well. He has been providing excellent rim protection and has been scooping up a lot of rebounds. With Randle, Edwards and Gobert all locked in on the defensive end, the Timberwolves are very tough to get a good shot against.

Painful Collapse

The Warriors are trying to hang on until Stephen Curry can return to the lineup, but their superstar’s injury will keep him out till at least Game 6.

Because of that, Golden State’s Game 3 loss had to be heartbreaking. Everything had gone in their favor. They had weathered the Timberwolves’ early punches. They fought back; they had a five-point lead in the fourth quarter and then it all fell apart.

Even a suspiciously favorable whistle helped Golden State and yet they were not able to come away with the win.

Warriors’ Fragility Without Curry

I knew Golden State was in trouble when Draymond Green fouled out.

Green is a provocative player who often pushes things over the line. The NBA’s leniency with Green has created a problem. Yet in this game, the fouls were called and Green was out of the game with 3 minutes and 30 seconds to go. Already missing Curry, this depleted lineup was not enough to get the team to the finish line.

This has been written multiple times about the key to the Warriors’ success, but they will need Draymond Green to be on his best behavior and to play smart basketball in order to somehow pull out this series.

Jonathan Kuminga has stepped up in Steph Curry’s absence after receiving several DNPs (did not play by the coach’s decision) in the first round of the playoffs. Kuminga has been vital to the Warriors’ ability to compete, and his athleticism has been key in helping defend Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards.

Key to the Game

The Warriors are going to need to do a better job of rebounding the basketball. Once again, Minnesota had a significant rebounding advantage of 56-44. These extra possessions are the difference in a five-point game.

Even in this last game with the Warriors constantly attacking the rim and trying to get the Timberwolves in foul trouble, they missed many simple rebounding opportunities. The Warriors need to protect their defensive glass better and Warriors coach Steve Kerr needs to stick with center Kevon Looney more. He’s expecting too much from a small ball lineup.

The Pick

Even though Golden State came up short in their quest to get the win, they did cover the spread and it’s a game that went slightly under the total. Golden State will put it all on the line here, knowing that at 3-1 deficit, while not insurmountable, will be tough to overcome. If the Warriors can get a win tonight and head back to Minnesota with the series tied at 2-2, they can still feel strong about their chances of winning the series.

I like the Warriors to cover the spread and for the game to go under. If the Warriors are going to get the win, they’re going to have to play excellent defense on Minnesota. Expect a game with slow pace that is low scoring and back the Golden State Warriors.

Game 4 Picks:

• Timberwolves/Warriors Under 200 (-110) at BetOnline

Timberwolves/Warriors Under 200 (-110)

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• Golden State Warriors +5.5 (-110) at BetOnline

Golden State Warriors +5.5 (-110)

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*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.