Programming note: Warriors-Timberwolves coverage starts tonight at 4pm with Warriors Pregame Live on CSN Bay Area, and streaming live right here.
After escaping a “trap game” last Friday in Dallas, the Warriors find themselves being baited once again Monday night in Minneapolis.
This time, it’s a “hangover” game, with the Minnesota Timberwolves hoping to take advantage.
[RELATED: Warriors will save close to $4 million if Bogut misses bonus]
With the showdown at San Antonio looming, the Warriors used a strong closing push to fight off the Mavericks. Now coming off an illuminating loss to the Spurs, the Warriors (62-7) hope to finish the road trip with a win over the athletic young Timberwolves (22-47), who are seeking only their second three-game win streak of the season.
The Warriors, who have swept two of their five road trips of at least three games, are (along with the Spurs) trying to become the first team in NBA history to go through an entire season without losing back-to-back games.
BETTING LINE
Warriors by 13.
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Draymond Green/Anderson Varejao/Marreese Speights vs. Karl-Anthony Towns: Towns is the runaway Rookie of the Year and will be the foundation of the Minnesota’s future. With Andrew Bogut out, the Warriors will vary their looks, sending a platoon of hybrid forward/centers at the 7-footer.
LAST 10
Warriors: 8-2
Timberwolves: 3-7.
INJURY REPORT
Warriors: C Andrew Bogut (L big toe strain) is listed as out. F Andre Iguodala (L ankle sprain), C Festus Ezeli (L knee surgery) and F Kevon Looney (R hip inflammation) are not with the team.
Timberwolves: F Kevin Garnett (R knee soreness) and C Nikola Pekovic (R ankle sprain) are listed as out.
SERIES HISTORY
The Warriors won the first meeting this season, 129-116, on Nov. 12 and have won 19 of the last 22, including the last eight in a row in Minneapolis.
QUOTABLE
“We haven’t lost two in a row all year, which is a remarkable stat. It’s never been done in NBA history to go through an entire season. It’s probably the thing I’m most proud of with this group, how they’ve responded from losses. Whether it’s being refocused or being angry or just being competitive, whatever it is, we’ve always responded well and, hopefully, we will again tonight.” Warriors – Warriors coach Steve Kerr, hoping for a bounce-back game.
