Golden State visits Minnesota on Wednesday after earning its first victory, while the Timberwolves face considerable uncertainty around Anthony Edwards. Later reporting Tuesday indicated he is headed for knee surgery, following an earlier questionable designation. Tipoff at Target Center is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET. Our selections use Golden State +3.5 and Under 225.5, with the analysis assuming Edwards is unavailable.
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Warriors vs Timberwolves Game Information
| Game Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Golden State Warriors at Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Date | Wednesday, October 28, 2026 |
| Tipoff | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| Arena | Target Center |
| Location | Minneapolis, Minnesota |
| Spread used | Golden State +3.5 |
| Total used | 225.5 |
| Records | Golden State 1-3; Minnesota 3-1 |
These selections assume Edwards does not play. His availability and Yaxel Lendeborg’s questionable designation require checking before betting. The listed lines may move as that information changes.
Golden State Finally Found Some Offensive Support
Golden State is 1-3 overall and 1-2 on the road after Monday’s 134-114 victory at Denver. The Warriors needed that result after three opening losses. More useful than simply getting a win was showing they could generate offense across the rotation. They now need to carry that execution into another road game without assuming the same shooting performance will follow.
The Warriors have averaged 117.3 points while allowing 120.8 through four games, calculated from their completed scores. The offense has enough production to compete, but the defensive allowance remains a problem. Golden State needs to keep Minnesota from turning missed shots and loose passes into easy opportunities. Making the Timberwolves create against a set defense becomes particularly valuable if their leading scorer is unavailable.
Stephen Curry has averaged 23.7 points across his first three appearances, while rookie Yaxel Lendeborg has averaged 21.8 points through four games. That gives Golden State another source of production, although Lendeborg is questionable with left-foot inflammation. Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody and Kristaps Porzingis remain out. Lendeborg’s status matters because the Warriors cannot assume they will replace his scoring, rebounding and passing without changing how the offense operates.
Minnesota Faces a Different Offensive Assignment
Minnesota is 3-1 overall and 1-0 at home after Monday’s 127-125 overtime loss at Cleveland. Its first three victories were convincing, and one close road defeat does not erase that work. The bigger issue is who will be available Wednesday. A team preparing to replace its primary scorer requires a different evaluation from the one that opened the season.
The Timberwolves have averaged 122.0 points while allowing 105.0 through four games. Those numbers include Edwards in every appearance and should not be carried forward unchanged if he sits. Minnesota can still defend, rebound and create opportunities through movement. It needs to avoid replacing difficult possessions with even more difficult individual shots. Golden State will have an easier job if the ball stops moving.
Edwards averaged 33.3 points through four games and scored 47 at Cleveland. Later Tuesday reports said he would undergo a knee procedure, superseding the earlier picture of a routine questionable designation. This preview assumes he is unavailable. LaMelo Ball, averaging 14.8 points and 6.3 assists, would take on greater creation responsibility. Donte DiVincenzo is also out, leaving Minnesota with another missing backcourt option.
Warriors vs Timberwolves Statistical Comparison
Scoring averages include completed 2026-27 regular-season games through October 26. Minnesota’s figures include Edwards in all four games and one overtime contest.
| Category | Golden State | Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 1-3 | 3-1 |
| Relevant location record | 1-2 away | 1-0 home |
| Points per game | 117.3 | 122.0 |
| Points allowed per game | 120.8 | 105.0 |
| Most recent result | Won 134-114 at Denver | Lost 125-127 at Cleveland in overtime |
Where This Game Gets Decided
| Matchup | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Minnesota’s available creators vs Golden State’s set defense | The Timberwolves need productive possessions without relying on Edwards to rescue them. |
| Curry’s movement vs Minnesota’s perimeter coverage | Golden State can create opportunities even when its first action does not produce a shot. |
| Lendeborg’s availability | His absence would remove an important source of scoring and supporting creation. |
Golden State Warriors vs Minnesota Timberwolves Picks and Predictions
Spread Pick: Golden State Warriors +3.5
I’m taking Golden State +3.5 under the stated assumption that Edwards is unavailable. Minnesota has enough defensive ability to remain competitive, but replacing its main scorer changes what happens when a possession becomes difficult. Curry gives the Warriors a more established late-possession answer, and Monday showed that Golden State can get useful support around him. The concern is Lendeborg’s foot. Losing him would weaken the visitors’ offensive balance, while Minnesota’s size and home floor still provide ways to control the game. This is a cautious selection rather than a best bet. My projection is Golden State 113, Minnesota 108. If Edwards is cleared to play, this analysis needs reassessment.
Total Pick: Under 225.5
I lean under 225.5 because Minnesota would be replacing a substantial part of its scoring and shot creation. The Timberwolves may need longer possessions to find an acceptable opportunity, while their defense can still make Golden State work. The Warriors’ 134-point performance Monday should not become the automatic expectation against a different opponent. The danger is Golden State’s defense continuing to allow easy baskets, particularly after turnovers or missed box-outs. Curry can also change a total quickly with a strong perimeter stretch. My projection reaches 221, leaving a modest cushion. This total selection also assumes Edwards is unavailable and becomes less attractive at a lower number.
Final Prediction
| Selection | Pick |
|---|---|
| Moneyline winner | Golden State Warriors |
| ATS pick | Golden State Warriors +3.5 |
| Total pick | Under 225.5 |
| Projected score | Golden State 113, Minnesota 108 |
| Preferred bet | Golden State +3.5 |
Final Picks: Golden State Warriors +3.5 and Under 225.5, assuming Anthony Edwards is unavailable.
Prepared October 27, 2026, for the October 28 matchup. Statistics include completed games through October 26 and reflect small samples. Edwards’ status and Lendeborg’s availability require confirmation. A material availability change requires reassessment before betting. Selections apply to the listed numbers.