NBA DFS Picks for the Playoffs: Warriors vs Timberwolves – Game 2

Only four teams remain in the Western Conference, and the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves are set to face off in Game 2 tonight. Golden State stole the opening contest, but superstar Stephen Curry exited the game with a hamstring injury and will miss Game 2. 

While the Warriors still grabbed the win, securing back-to-back victories without Curry is a tall task. Let’s dive into my pick for Game 2, which you can fade or follow at SportsMillions.

Warriors vs Timberwolves Game 1 Recap

Game 1 between the Warriors and Timberwolves was a gritty, low-scoring defensive battle that saw Golden State come out on top, 99–88. The Warriors controlled much of the game behind a locked-in defensive effort and ice-cold shooting from Minnesota, who looked out of sync after a five-day layoff.

The early exit of Warriors superstar Stephen Curry was the biggest story of Game 1. He scored 13 points in just 13 minutes before leaving the game with a left hamstring strain. He’ll likely  be out for at least a week, putting the Warriors’ playoff run in jeopardy.

In Curry’s absence, Buddy Hield stepped up in a big way, dropping 24 points and hitting five threes. Jimmy Butler III delivered a strong all-around performance with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Draymond Green added 18 points and 8 boards in a vintage showing. The Warriors’ defense was the difference-maker — they held Minnesota to under 40% shooting from the field and just 5-of-29 from beyond the arc.

The Timberwolves looked rusty early, and it showed. Anthony Edwards missed his first 10 shots but still finished with 23 points and 14 rebounds. Naz Reid and Julius Randle contributed 19 and 18 points, respectively. Minnesota made a push in the fourth quarter, cutting a 23-point deficit down to single digits, but clutch buckets from Hield and Butler slammed the door shut.

Golden State now takes a 1–0 lead in the series, but with Curry sidelined, the pressure will be on the supporting cast to keep the momentum rolling in Game 2.

Warriors vs Timberwolves Predictions for Game 2

The Golden State Warriors are entering unfamiliar territory with Stephen Curry officially ruled out for Game 2. Without their offensive engine and one of the league’s most dynamic scorers, the team will need others to rise to the occasion. One player who looks ready to answer that call is Buddy Hield.

Hield stepped up in a big way in Game 1, scoring 24 points while playing a whopping 40 minutes, a significant uptick from his regular-season usage. He shot 7-of-19 from the field and connected on 5-of-8 three-point attempts, demonstrating his ability to get hot quickly and stretch the defense. His deep shooting was critical in keeping the Warriors in the game — and it’s something they’ll continue to lean on moving forward.

This strong Game 1 performance wasn’t an isolated incident. In the Warriors’ recent Game 7 win over the Houston Rockets, Hield exploded for 33 points on 12-of-15 shooting, including a staggering 9-of-11 from beyond the arc. In the highest-pressure moment of the season so far, he delivered his best game, showing poise, shot-making, and confidence — all qualities that Golden State will rely on in Curry’s absence.

What’s most encouraging about Hield’s recent production is the increased opportunity. During the regular season, he averaged just 9.6 field goal attempts per game, often playing a complementary role in a deep rotation. But in Game 1, he launched 19 shots, nearly doubling his season average. That jump in volume isn’t by accident — it’s a clear indicator that the coaching staff trusts him to be a primary scoring option with Curry sidelined. Add in his 40 minutes played, and he’ll be heavily featured again in Game 2.

There’s also the matchup factor to consider. Without Curry, opposing defenses are more likely to focus on Jimmy Butler, who has become the Warriors’ go-to option late in games. That defensive attention could create more open looks for Hield, especially off screens and spot-up opportunities — exactly where he thrives. Hield’s ability to get hot from deep makes him a dangerous weapon, particularly when defenses have to collapse on Butler’s drives or stay honest against dribble penetration.

The playoffs are about adjustments, and with Curry out, Golden State’s path to winning hinges on perimeter shooting and floor spacing. Buddy Hield is built for that role. He’s confident, experienced and playing some of the best basketball of his season.

All signs point to another high-usage night for Hield in Game 2. With the volume, minutes and recent scoring outbursts to back it up, he’s in a prime position to score 16+ points.

Our Pick: Buddy Hield to Record 16+ Points