Game Thread #58: Golden State Warriors @ Minnesota Timberwolves - Battle of the Titans

Warriors (26-31) vs Timberwolves (13-46)

Tip-Off: 2:00pm | CSN Bay Area | KNBR 680

SB Nation: Canis Hoopus

After 2 months of what seemed like nothing but home games, our fearless Warriors hit the road for a long 7 game, 11 day road trip. At least the upcoming schedule isn't filled with Eastern Conference powerhouses.
@ Minnesota (13-46)
@ Indiana (26-31)
@ Washington (15-43)
@ Boston (46-15)
@ Philadelphia (29-29)
@ Cleveland (11-47)
@ New Jersey (17-42)

One team above .500 and 5 teams with the same or worse records than the Warriors. Given how awful the Warriors play on the road this could be a 1-6 road trip even if they played Cleveland all 7 times.

Remember that nice little home win streak the team had going into the All-Star break? I wonder if that pre-All-Star break run had anything to do with Riley and Lacob staying put at a very active trade deadline. Mr. Lacob, you want more than 3 months to do something? You've had more than 3 months. Didn't you okay the Lee-Randolph deal? Didn't you push for the Lin signing? Those are signs that you've been around since July of last year, 8 months ago.

Build around Curry and Monta! We may not defend any opposing guards, but dammit we'll score. Oops, maybe we won't score. That home win streak has violently come crashing to an end. First a loss to the Celtics, who seemed to be toying with the Warriors until the 4th and then a wire to wire blowout by the Hawks, this Warriors team is going to have to get their groove back on the road.

But I digress, especially since there's nothing really to say about the Timberwolves. They are the second worst team in the league. They have player worth trading for and no it's not Darko Milicic. They've lost 7 in a row. They're 30th in points allowed (that scoring drought better end today).

How the Warriors play in this first game on the road may just set the tone for the entire road trip. If the Warriors continue to struggle scoring like they have in the last 6 quarters, you may just want to take a 2 week break from the team and check back in when they return home.

The 2 best things about the Minnesota Timberwolves?

1) Kevin Love
Averages 21 points and 15 rebounds, but the most surprising thing to me is 42% from 3 (takes 3 per game) and 87% from the charity stripe. Somebody get this man some help in Minnesota!

2) The Timberwolves social media staff. FIrst the numb#ers cologne video. I'll use that stuff if it makes me average 21-15. And this hilarious piece about free throws.

Predictions

• Warriors win by 5.
  
• The Timberwolves are the #1 rebounding team in the league. Rebounds are important, but clearly good players are more important. Regardless, Twolves outrebound the Warriors by 8.
• Stephen Curry makes a shot for the first time in 3 games.
• Kevin Love and David Lee switch uniforms. Stern makes an exception to the trade deadline rule.
• Anthony Randolph is the one guy I'd like to see in the game today. If he gets in, he tears up his former team.