San Francisco, California – The Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors face off in Game 3 of their pivotal playoff series Saturday night at the Chase Center. With the series knotted at one game apiece, the Timberwolves aim to regain home-court advantage.

In the previous matchup, the Timberwolves displayed their offensive prowess, overcoming the Warriors with a combined effort led by Julius Randle. Randle poured in 24 points, while fellow star Anthony Edwards added 20 despite battling through an injury. Minnesota’s strong performance was a stark contrast to Golden State’s struggles in Game 2, where they managed only 15 points in the first quarter and finished with a team-high 18 points from Jonathan Kuminga off the bench. This stark dip in scoring illustrates the Warriors’ challenges without their marquee player, Stephen Curry, who remains sidelined due to a hamstring strain incurred in Game 1.

The absence of Curry reshapes the dynamics of the series significantly. Golden State has struggled offensively, reflected in their playoff net rating, which has lowered dramatically without the star guard. Historical data shows a 16.3-point drop in their performance per 100 possessions whenever Curry is not on the floor, compared to a 5.7-point decline during the regular season when he missed games. The Warriors have relied heavily on Curry’s scoring and playmaking ability, creating a hole in their overall strategy in this round of the playoffs.

As the Timberwolves prepare to capitalize on this advantage, they come into Game 3 as the slight favorites. Analysts suggest that until Curry returns, Minnesota’s chances of success will remain elevated. Current betting lines show the Timberwolves favored by 5.5 points for the upcoming clash, with the over/under set at 200.5.

Tonight’s matchup is crucial for both teams, as they look to gain momentum in a best-of-seven series that has already shown signs of unpredictability. Fans will watch closely to see if Golden State can rally in Curry’s absence or if Minnesota can solidify their position with an away victory.

The game is set to tip off at 8:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on ABC. Streaming services are also available for those unable to access network television. As the teams gear up for an outcome that could swing the series, basketball aficionados eagerly anticipate an intense evening of playoff action.