Timberwolves vs Warriors Shaken Up by Major Absences at Chase Center
If you were circling this Timberwolves versus Warriors matchup as a star-powered showdown, plans have clearly been shaken up before tip-off. When Minnesota walks into Chase Center on Friday night, the spotlight will look very different from what many fans expected just days ago.
The biggest news is on the Timberwolves’ side. Anthony Edwards, who has been carrying Minnesota’s offense all season and is coming off a massive 40-point performance, has officially been ruled out due to right foot soreness. His absence immediately changes the tone of this game. Edwards has been the engine for Minnesota, averaging nearly 29 points per game, and without him, the offensive burden will be spread across the rest of the roster. It was also confirmed that veteran point guard Mike Conley Jr. will miss this game, leaving the Timberwolves without two key backcourt leaders on the road.
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On the other side, Golden State is dealing with its own mix of relief and concern. Stephen Curry is expected back in the rotation after missing five straight games with a quad injury, and his return alone lifts the energy inside Chase Center. Even with Curry back, though, the Warriors will not be at full strength. Draymond Green has been ruled out for personal reasons, while Al Horford will also sit due to a right sciatic nerve issue. With both veterans unavailable, Golden State’s frontcourt depth will be tested.
As a result, more responsibility will be placed on younger big men like Quinten Post and Trayce Jackson-Davis. They are expected to see extended minutes against a physical Minnesota front line led by Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert. That matchup in the paint could quietly decide the flow of the game, especially with so much star power missing on the perimeter.
From a standings perspective, this game still matters. Minnesota enters with a solid record in the Western Conference, while Golden State is hovering just behind them. The Warriors have been competitive at home, and they continue to outscore opponents slightly on average. Minnesota, meanwhile, has shown flashes of explosive offense, but consistency against teams above .500 has been an issue.
Even with Edwards sidelined, the Timberwolves will try to rely on ball movement, interior scoring, and defensive pressure to stay competitive. For the Warriors, the return of Curry brings spacing and confidence, but discipline will be required with a thinner rotation.
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. PT in San Francisco, and while the marquee names may be limited, the storylines are still very real. This game now feels less like a highlight-reel showcase and more like a true test of depth, adaptability, and execution under pressure.
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