Monday night in San Francisco sets the stage for an electrifying clash at the Chase Center, where the Minnesota Timberwolves face the Golden State Warriors in game 4 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals. With the Timberwolves leading the series 2-1, the matchup, scheduled for 10 p.m. ET, captivates basketball fans worldwide, driven by standout performances from stars like Anthony Edwards and Jimmy Butler. Both teams are vying for a crucial edge in the 2025 playoffs.
The game pits contrasting styles against each other: Minnesota’s stout defense versus Golden State’s dynamic offense, now navigating without Stephen Curry, sidelined by injury. Fans in Minneapolis and San Francisco, cities with deep basketball roots, eagerly await a pivotal moment in the series. Key highlights include:
- Live broadcast: ESPN 2 and Disney+ in Brazil, with NBA League Pass globally.
- Tickets: Available on the Warriors’ official site, starting at $60.
- Weather: Mild temperatures in San Francisco, between 50°F and 57°F.
- Prediction: Timberwolves favored, with odds of 1.46 (Betnacional).
The Chase Center’s vibrant atmosphere, fueled by Warriors fans, aims to offset Curry’s absence, while the Timberwolves rely on tactical cohesion to maintain their series lead.
Live broadcast details
Fans can catch game 4 of Timberwolves vs Warriors live on ESPN 2 and Disney+ in Brazil, with pre-game coverage starting at 9:30 p.m. ET, featuring tactical breakdowns, exclusive interviews, and highlights from prior games. The NBA League Pass offers streaming with English or Portuguese narration, real-time stats, and instant replays of key moments. For those seeking a communal experience, sports bars in major cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Belo Horizonte host watch parties with large screens. In the U.S., local San Francisco venues near the Chase Center, such as Thrive City, provide big-screen viewing and game-day promotions, ensuring fans worldwide stay connected to the action.
Probable lineups for the matchup
Under coach Chris Finch, the Timberwolves are expected to field their core playoff lineup: Mike Conley at point guard, Anthony Edwards as shooting guard, Jaden McDaniels at small forward, Julius Randle as power forward, and Rudy Gobert at center. Edwards, averaging 25.5 points per game in the playoffs, drives Minnesota’s offense, while Gobert anchors the defense with elite rebounding. The team’s defensive prowess has held opponents under 100 points in their last four games. Trading Karl-Anthony Towns for Randle has added offensive versatility, enabling more fluid plays.
The Warriors, led by Steve Kerr, face challenges without Stephen Curry, who suffered a hamstring strain in game 1. Their likely lineup features Brandin Podziemski at point guard, Buddy Hield as shooting guard, Jimmy Butler at small forward, Jonathan Kuminga at power forward, and Draymond Green at center. Butler, with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists in game 1, has taken the offensive helm, while Green’s defensive versatility remains critical. The Warriors lean on their veterans’ experience to navigate this setback.
Head-to-head rivalry history
The Timberwolves and Warriors share a balanced rivalry, with Golden State holding a 77-57 edge in 134 regular-season matchups. This playoff series marks their first postseason encounter, adding unpredictability. In the last 10 regular-season games, Minnesota won 6, averaging 108.6 points to Golden State’s 109.4. The most recent clash, game 3 of this series, saw the Timberwolves dominate 117-93, showcasing their collective strength.
- Recent head-to-head results:
- Game 3 (05/10/2025): Timberwolves 117, Warriors 93.
- Game 2 (05/08/2025): Timberwolves 117, Warriors 93.
- Game 1 (05/06/2025): Warriors 99, Timberwolves 88.
- 12/21/2024: Warriors 113, Timberwolves 103.
- 12/07/2024: Timberwolves 107, Warriors 90.
Recent games have been intense, with Edwards challenging Golden State’s defense and Hield and Butler delivering clutch responses.
Timberwolves’ recent performance
Leading the series 2-1, the Timberwolves enter game 4 with momentum. They dispatched the Los Angeles Lakers in five games during the first round, powered by Rudy Gobert and Anthony Edwards. Their last five games, including playoffs and regular season, reflect consistency:
- Win vs Warriors (117-93, 05/10/2025).
- Win vs Warriors (117-93, 05/08/2025).
- Loss vs Warriors (99-88, 05/06/2025).
- Win vs Pelicans (120-105, 12/28/2024).
- Loss vs Warriors (113-103, 12/21/2024).
Gobert’s dominance, including a 27-point, 24-rebound game against the Lakers, anchors their defense. Julius Randle’s versatility, highlighted by a triple-double in game 3, bolsters their attack.
Warriors’ recent form
The Warriors reached the semifinals after a grueling seven-game series against the Houston Rockets, clinched with a 103-89 win. Curry’s absence has strained their offense, notably in game 2, where they scored just 15 points in the first quarter, their worst playoff quarter since 2016. Their last five games show mixed results:
- Loss vs Timberwolves (117-93, 05/10/2025).
- Loss vs Timberwolves (117-93, 05/08/2025).
- Win vs Timberwolves (99-88, 05/06/2025).
- Win vs Grizzlies (125-112, 01/05/2025).
- Win vs Timberwolves (113-103, 12/21/2024).
Jimmy Butler and Buddy Hield have led the offense, with Hield sinking nine three-pointers in the Rockets series. Draymond Green’s defensive presence is vital, though his two technical fouls away from a suspension raise concerns.
Officiating and game management
The officiating crew for game 4 awaits confirmation, but the NBA typically assigns experienced referees like Shawn Hochuli or Danielle Scott for playoff games. The Replay Center will review contentious calls, particularly in the paint, where Gobert and Green’s physical battles are expected to intensify. Officiating has sparked debate in the playoffs, with fans critiquing lengthy reviews. Referees will aim to maintain game flow, minimizing disruptions while addressing potential technical fouls, especially involving Green’s on-court intensity.
Weather forecast for San Francisco
San Francisco’s weather on May 12 promises ideal conditions for game night. Temperatures will range from 50°F to 57°F, with partly cloudy skies and a low 10% chance of rain. The mild climate ensures easy access to the Chase Center via public transit or rideshare services. Inside the arena, the atmosphere will heat up with fan-driven energy, including planned mosaics and chants. Nearby bars, like Thrive City, offer outdoor screens and game-day specials for fans outside the venue.
Tickets and Chase Center vibe
Tickets for game 4 are available on the Warriors’ official website, starting at $60 for upper-level seats and exceeding $200 for courtside views. High demand underscores the game’s significance, urging fans to secure tickets early. The Chase Center, opened in 2019, is renowned for its modern amenities and electric crowd, with a capacity of 18,064. Warriors fans are preparing a “Dub Nation” mosaic to rally the team. Pre-game events, including fan festivals and autograph sessions, heighten the excitement.
Top scorers to watch
Anthony Edwards leads the Timberwolves’ scoring in the playoffs, averaging 25.5 points per game. His 36-point outburst in game 3 was pivotal. Julius Randle complements him, averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds, with a triple-double in the latest game. For the Warriors, Jimmy Butler has stepped up without Curry, averaging 22 points in the series. Buddy Hield’s three-point shooting, including a 33-point performance against the Rockets, remains a key asset.
- Leading scorers in the series:
- Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves): 25.5 points/game.
- Julius Randle (Timberwolves): 20 points/game.
- Jimmy Butler (Warriors): 22 points/game.
- Buddy Hield (Warriors): 18 points/game.
The Edwards-Butler matchup will be a highlight, with both players poised to shine in clutch moments.
Game 4 fun facts
The Timberwolves-Warriors clash carries unique storylines. This marks their first playoff meeting, adding a fresh chapter to their rivalry. Anthony Edwards, a rising MVP candidate, faces Draymond Green’s championship pedigree. The Chase Center has been a fortress for the Warriors, hosting their 2022 title run. Minneapolis, meanwhile, is experiencing a basketball renaissance, with the Timberwolves reaching the playoffs consistently.
- Notable facts:
- Edwards is the youngest playoff scoring leader in Timberwolves history.
- Green has five technical fouls in the 2025 postseason.
- The Chase Center has generated $700 million in economic impact since 2019.
- Edwards and Butler’s rivalry traces back to 2023 regular-season duels.
These tidbits engage both casual viewers and die-hard fans.
Coaching strategies
Chris Finch, Minnesota’s coach since 2021, has built a defensive juggernaut around Rudy Gobert, the league’s top defensive rebounder. Finch emphasizes quick defensive switches and Edwards’ speed for fast-break plays. Randle’s addition offers tactical flexibility in the frontcourt. Steve Kerr, with eight NBA titles as a player and coach, adjusts to Curry’s absence by leaning on Butler’s scoring and Hield’s shooting. Green and Kuminga bolster the defense. The tactical chess match between Finch and Kerr will shape the game’s outcome.
Predictions for game 4
Betting odds favor the Timberwolves at 1.46 against the Warriors’ 2.66 (Betnacional). Curry’s absence hampers Golden State’s offense, while Minnesota’s cohesion, led by Edwards and Randle, shines. Analysts predict a low-scoring game, with under 199 total points, given both teams’ defensive strength. Edwards is projected to score over 30 points, with Butler expected to hit 27. Defensive intensity and three-point shooting will be decisive.
- Game projections:
- Timberwolves win by 8-12 points.
- Total points under 199.
- Edwards over 30 points.
- Butler over 27 points.
- Gobert with at least 15 rebounds.
The game is expected to start competitively, with Minnesota pulling ahead in the later quarters, as seen in game 3.
Economic boost from the game
NBA playoff games significantly impact San Francisco’s economy, boosting hotel, restaurant, and bar revenue by 30% near the Chase Center. Sports tourism strengthens the city’s event hub status, drawing fans from neighboring states. The Chase Center, a tourism landmark, offers arena tours and fan events. Game 4 is projected to generate $10 million in economic activity, including ticket sales, dining, and transportation. Local spots like Thrive City and Mission Bay see packed crowds, with game-day promotions attracting fans.
