Golden State faces Minnesota, aims to stop home slide

March 14, 2026

Golden State faces Minnesota, aims to stop home slide

The Golden State Warriors are set to host the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Chase Center on Friday, March 13, 2026, in a pivotal Western Conference showdown. Both teams are navigating turbulent stretches in the final stages of the regular season, with the Warriors desperate to snap a three-game losing streak on their home floor. As the race for playoff and play-in positioning intensifies, this matchup represents a critical opportunity for Golden State to regain its footing against a high-powered Timberwolves squad led by star guard Anthony Edwards.

The Golden State Warriors face the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight at 10 p.m. ET, aiming to end a three-game home slide at the Chase Center. Currently sitting ninth in the Western Conference with a 32-33 record, the Warriors are fighting to maintain their play-in spot while facing a Minnesota team that ranks sixth in the conference at 40-25. Despite recent defensive struggles, the Timberwolves enter as 6.5-point favorites, having won the last meeting between these two teams in January.

Golden State faces Minnesota, aims to stop home slide

Warriors Fighting for Play-In Survival

As the 2025-2026 NBA season enters its final month, the Golden State Warriors find themselves in a familiar yet precarious position. Occupying the ninth seed in the Western Conference, the team is currently on track for another appearance in the play-in tournament. However, their recent form has been anything but steady. Losing five of their last six games, the Warriors have struggled to find consistency on both ends of the floor. The absence of Stephen Curry due to a knee injury has left a massive void in their offensive production and late-game leadership. Without their cornerstone, players like Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski have been forced into larger roles, showing flashes of potential but failing to secure the necessary wins to climb the standings.

Minnesota Timberwolves Chasing Home Court Advantage

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been one of the Western Conference's most improved stories over the last two seasons, yet they are currently experiencing their own minor slump. Entering Friday's game on a three-game losing streak, the Timberwolves have seen their defense falter significantly. Averaging a staggering 130.7 points allowed over their last three contests, including a 153-point blowout at the hands of the Los Angeles Clippers, the Wolves' identity as a defensive powerhouse is being tested. Anthony Edwards continues to perform at an All-NBA level, averaging 27.9 points per game, but the supporting cast must step up defensively if they hope to secure a top-four seed and home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Key Matchup: Anthony Edwards vs. Golden State's Perimeter Defense

The primary challenge for Golden State will be containing Anthony Edwards. Over the last ten games, Edwards has been relentless, contributing not just as a scorer but as a playmaker and defensive disruptor. With Stephen Curry sidelined and Moses Moody also appearing on the injury report with a wrist issue, the defensive burden will likely fall on Brandin Podziemski and potentially De'Anthony Melton if he is cleared to play. The Warriors' perimeter defense has been inconsistent of late, often allowing high-scoring games to opponents at the Chase Center. Slowing down Edwards will be the number one priority for Steve Kerr's coaching staff if they want to avoid a fourth consecutive home loss.

The Impact of Injuries on Both Sides

Injuries are playing a major role in the narrative of this game. For the Warriors, the list is extensive: Stephen Curry remains out, Jimmy Butler III is done for the season, and Moses Moody is dealing with a wrist injury. This has forced the rotation to become younger and less experienced. On the Minnesota side, Ayo Dosunmu is out with a thumb injury, but the core of Edwards and Julius Randle remains intact. Randle, who contributed 18 points in the Timberwolves' last victory over the Warriors, continues to be a versatile threat in the frontcourt, averaging 21.2 points and 7.0 rebounds. The health of the depth players will likely determine which team can sustain high intensity through all four quarters.

Metric	Golden State Warriors
Record	32-33 (9th in West)
Points Per Game	115.2
Last 10 Games	3-7
Field Goal %	45.9%

Recent History: Timberwolves Seeking the Season Sweep

This is the fourth and final meeting between these two franchises this regular season. The Timberwolves have held the upper hand recently, including a dominant 108-83 win back in January. In that game, the Warriors struggled to crack the hundred-point mark, highlighting the physical and length advantages Minnesota possesses. Golden State's ability to shoot the three-pointer—they currently lead the league with 16.3 makes per game—is their best chance to neutralize Minnesota's size. If the Warriors can get hot from behind the arc early, they can force the Timberwolves out of their preferred defensive sets and create the space needed for their younger players to operate.

Home Court Woes for the Warriors

The Chase Center, usually a fortress for the Dubs, has recently seen a decline in its intimidation factor. The current three-game home slide has been particularly frustrating for fans, as the team has lost close matchups against conference rivals. Betting trends show that the Warriors are 2-6 against the spread as home underdogs this season, suggesting that they have struggled to exceed expectations when favored to lose in their own building. However, they do tend to play higher-scoring games at home, with 21 of 33 totals going over the betting line. This points to a potential shootout on Friday night if both offenses find their rhythm early.

Timberwolves' Road Challenges

While Minnesota enters as the favorite, they are not without their flaws on the road. The Timberwolves own an 8-14 record against the spread when listed as road favorites, indicating they often win but rarely dominate away from Minneapolis. Their recent defensive collapse suggests that they are vulnerable to teams that can push the pace. With the Warriors sitting ninth in scoring but ranking high in assists, Golden State will try to use ball movement to exploit the gaps in Minnesota's rotating defense. For the Wolves, the goal will be to control the glass and use their 5.7 blocks per game average to discourage drives to the rim.

Tactical Adjustments: What to Watch For

Coach Steve Kerr has been experimenting with rotations to find a spark. Expect to see more minutes for Quinten Post and Brandin Podziemski as they look to integrate newer elements into the offense. For Minnesota, coach Chris Finch will likely look to exploit the mismatch of Julius Randle in the post against a smaller Warriors frontcourt. If Golden State is forced to double-team Randle, it opens up opportunities for Edwards to slash or for the Timberwolves' shooters to find open looks. The battle for second-chance points will also be vital, as the Warriors have averaged 46 rebounds over their last ten games, showing they are still competing hard on the glass despite their overall record.

FAQ Section

When is the Golden State vs. Minnesota game?
The game is scheduled for Friday, March 13, 2026, at 10:00 PM ET.

Where is the game being played?
The matchup will take place at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California.

Is Stephen Curry playing tonight?
No, Stephen Curry is currently listed as OUT due to a knee injury.

Who is the favorite to win?
The Minnesota Timberwolves are currently listed as 6.5-point favorites over the Golden State Warriors.

How can I watch the game?
The game will be broadcast live on Prime Video for national audiences.

Conclusion

The matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves is more than just a regular-season game; it is a battle for identity and momentum heading into the playoffs. For the Warriors, stopping the home slide is essential to keep their play-in hopes alive and restore confidence in their young core. For the Timberwolves, it is an opportunity to prove their defensive lapses are behind them and secure their standing among the West's elite. As the lights go up at the Chase Center, all eyes will be on how these two desperate teams respond to the pressure of the March playoff race.

Golden State faces Minnesota, aims to stop home slide

Golden State faces Minnesota, aims to stop home slide Wallpapers

Collection of golden state faces minnesota, aims to stop home slide wallpapers for your desktop and mobile devices.

Breathtaking Golden State Faces Minnesota, Aims To Stop Home Slide Wallpaper Nature

Explore this high-quality golden state faces minnesota, aims to stop home slide image, perfect for enhancing your desktop or mobile wallpaper.

Gorgeous Golden State Faces Minnesota, Aims To Stop Home Slide Landscape Photography

A captivating golden state faces minnesota, aims to stop home slide scene that brings tranquility and beauty to any device.

Detailed Golden State Faces Minnesota, Aims To Stop Home Slide Artwork for Desktop

Discover an amazing golden state faces minnesota, aims to stop home slide background image, ideal for personalizing your devices with vibrant colors and intricate designs.

Beautiful Golden State Faces Minnesota, Aims To Stop Home Slide Picture Concept

Explore this high-quality golden state faces minnesota, aims to stop home slide image, perfect for enhancing your desktop or mobile wallpaper.

Vibrant Golden State Faces Minnesota, Aims To Stop Home Slide Abstract Photography

Transform your screen with this vivid golden state faces minnesota, aims to stop home slide artwork, a true masterpiece of digital design.

Stunning Golden State Faces Minnesota, Aims To Stop Home Slide Landscape Art

Immerse yourself in the stunning details of this beautiful golden state faces minnesota, aims to stop home slide wallpaper, designed for a captivating visual experience.

Spectacular Golden State Faces Minnesota, Aims To Stop Home Slide Moment for Your Screen

A captivating golden state faces minnesota, aims to stop home slide scene that brings tranquility and beauty to any device.

Vibrant Golden State Faces Minnesota, Aims To Stop Home Slide Landscape Illustration

Discover an amazing golden state faces minnesota, aims to stop home slide background image, ideal for personalizing your devices with vibrant colors and intricate designs.

Spectacular Golden State Faces Minnesota, Aims To Stop Home Slide Scene Illustration

Immerse yourself in the stunning details of this beautiful golden state faces minnesota, aims to stop home slide wallpaper, designed for a captivating visual experience.

Gorgeous Golden State Faces Minnesota, Aims To Stop Home Slide View Collection

A captivating golden state faces minnesota, aims to stop home slide scene that brings tranquility and beauty to any device.

Vibrant Golden State Faces Minnesota, Aims To Stop Home Slide Capture for Desktop

Explore this high-quality golden state faces minnesota, aims to stop home slide image, perfect for enhancing your desktop or mobile wallpaper.

Breathtaking Golden State Faces Minnesota, Aims To Stop Home Slide View in HD

Discover an amazing golden state faces minnesota, aims to stop home slide background image, ideal for personalizing your devices with vibrant colors and intricate designs.

Mesmerizing Golden State Faces Minnesota, Aims To Stop Home Slide Wallpaper for Your Screen

Transform your screen with this vivid golden state faces minnesota, aims to stop home slide artwork, a true masterpiece of digital design.

Vibrant Golden State Faces Minnesota, Aims To Stop Home Slide Moment Photography

Discover an amazing golden state faces minnesota, aims to stop home slide background image, ideal for personalizing your devices with vibrant colors and intricate designs.