The NBA playoffs have reached the conference semifinals, marking an unexpected matchup between the No. 6 seeded Minnesota Timberwolves and the No. 7 seeded Golden State Warriors. Both teams have had strong seasons, with the Wolves finishing with 49 wins, just behind the 52-win Los Angeles Lakers, while the Warriors secured 48 wins. The Warriors have been particularly impressive since the All-Star break, boasting a 20-7 record and a remarkable +9.4 point differential. In contrast, the Timberwolves have gone 18-8 with a +8.4 margin.

As they prepare for Game 1, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch acknowledges the need for a physical approach against the Warriors, suggesting they will look to adapt strategies that have worked against Golden State. Fortunately for Minnesota, their roster remains mostly intact, with only rookie Rob Dillingham listed on the injury report, indicating they head into the series relatively healthy.