Series odds still favor Timberwolves over Warriors despite Game 1 disaster

Following Tuesday's Game 1 loss, Minnesota remains favored to beat Golden State.

May 6, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) questions the call of referee Zach Zarba in the third quarter during game one of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs with the Golden State Warriors at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images | Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

Game 1 couldn't have gone much worse for the Timberwolves, but their odds to win the series over the Warriors haven't drastically changed. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Minnesota opened around -178 betting favorites, and as of Wednesday afternoon, they're favored at -210.

The Wolves were favored to win Tuesday's game by 6.5 points, but wound up losing by 11. It was clear and obvious they played one of their worst games of the entire season, shooting 5-of-29 (17.2%) from beyond the three-point line.

There are a lot of factors that go into the series-long odds. Warriors guard Stephen Curry has reportedly been ruled out for Game 2, and there's a belief that he might not be back until later in the series.

Related: Chris Finch calls out Anthony Edwards after dreadful Game 1 performance

Minnesota has already opened as a nine-point favorite for Thursday's Game 2, and the line has ballooned up as high as 10.5 points on some sportsbooks. With Curry's health in question and a 0-1 series deficit, it's a game that the public expects a bounce-back from Minnesota.

The Wolves have lost home-court advantage, and the fact that they're favored by more than they were before the series makes it fair to assume that Curry will have an extended absence. Game 1 was an unmitigated disaster, but if Minnesota's able to pick up the pieces and respond, it could quickly become a distant memory in its postseason story.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.