FULL NBA TODAY | Perkins breaks down Warriors vs Timberwolves, Curry is back, Cooper Flagg to Mavs


In a pivotal night for the NBA, the Golden State Warriors face the Minnesota Timberwolves, with the stakes at an all-time high as they attempt to stave off elimination in Game 5 of their playoff series. The Warriors are down 3-1, and their hopes hinge on the return of star guard Steph Curry, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury. Although he has been cleared for light on-court drills, Curry will not participate in tonight’s game. His absence marks the fourth consecutive game missed, and historically, the Warriors have not won any playoff games without him.

Curry was seen at shootaround earlier today, where he engaged in light shooting drills, even making a three-pointer that he celebrated with enthusiasm. However, the Warriors will need to secure a victory tonight to extend the series and potentially allow Curry three more days to recuperate before a potential Game 6. The team is under pressure to perform in his absence, with veteran leadership from Draymond Green and the younger players expected to step up.

On the opposing side, the Timberwolves are riding high after a dominant performance in Game 4, where they outscored the Warriors 39-7 in the third quarter—an achievement that marks the best postseason quarter in franchise history. Anthony Edwards, a key player for Minnesota, emphasized the need for urgency and focus in tonight’s game, indicating that complacency could lead to missed opportunities. The Timberwolves are aware that a win tonight not only secures their passage to the next round but also grants them much-needed rest against the Denver Nuggets or Oklahoma City Thunder, who are currently battling in another playoff series.

Meanwhile, the New York Knicks are poised to make history as they prepare to face the Boston Celtics in Game 5. The Knicks have a chance to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000, a feat that has not been achieved in over two decades. The Celtics will be without their star player, Jason Tatum, who suffered a ruptured Achilles during a critical moment in the previous game. Tatum’s absence shifts the dynamics of the series, placing increased pressure on Jaylen Brown and the rest of the Celtics roster to step up in his stead.

In Boston, the Knicks are aware that the Celtics, despite their injuries, will not go down without a fight. The Knicks have shown resilience throughout the series, coming back from significant deficits in multiple games. Their performance has been bolstered by strong showings from Jaylen Brunson and Muel Bridges, who have emerged as clutch performers. The Knicks aim to maintain their momentum and avoid the mistakes that have hindered them in past closeout games.

Both matchups tonight carry significant implications for the teams involved. For the Warriors, a win is essential to keep their championship hopes alive, while the Timberwolves seek to capitalize on their momentum and advance to the next round. In the East, the Knicks look to seize their opportunity against a wounded Celtics team, eyeing a return to the conference finals. As the playoffs continue to unfold, the intensity and stakes escalate, promising an exciting night of basketball.