Warriors vs Timberwolves G5 Preview: Curry continues to miss due to injury Edwards is aiming to advance to the Western Conference finals 4-1

At 9:30 a.m. Beijing time on May 15, the Timberwolves will play the Warriors at home to start Game 5 of the series. In the first four games, the Timberwolves led 3-1 on aggregate, and one more win could advance to the Western Conference finals. Curry continues to be sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Edwards knows the Timberwolves are just one win away from reaching the Western Conference finals, but he also understands that they can't be taken lightly in the NBA. "You can't afford to slack off," Edwards said, "and you can't let your guard down in the NBA, especially in the playoffs." ”

The Warriors won the first game of the series, but since Curry left the game with a hamstring injury in Game 1, the team has not been in much shape. Curry will also miss a game for the fourth straight time.

Warriors head coach Kerr admitted that Curry's absence has a big impact on the team. A number of players, including Podzemski and veteran Dream, struggled with shooting.

"After Curry's injury, the series changed and it became more difficult for everybody to shoot," Kerr said, "and Curry was able to break down the opposing defense and create offensive opportunities for us. I think the end result is that it's more difficult for each player to shoot. ”

Butler averaged 21 points per game on 44.1 percent shooting in the series and was the Warriors' leading scorer, but he also faced challenges finding open spots on the court.

"Ideally, we could have more pitchers around him and open up space on the court," Kerr said, "but with Curry out of the line, we can't do that." That being said, we'll look back at the footage to find ways to create chances for him, and I'm sure he'll be more aggressive in the fifth game. ”

The Timberwolves also emphasized the importance of maintaining offensive aggressiveness in Game 5. It starts with the team's leading scorers, Edwards and Randle, who averaged 27.3 points per game in the series, and Randle averaged 24.3 points per game.

Randle said every player in the Timberwolves knows what's at stake in the game, and they're eager to qualify for the Western Conference Finals for the second straight season. In Game 4, the Timberwolves trailed by two points at halftime, and Edwards inspired his teammates to work harder in the second half.

"We can't take this opportunity lightly," Randle said, "and in Game 5, we have a chance to finish the series at home." We must seize these opportunities. ”

Edwards' performance has been praised by the likes of Kerr, but he said the Timberwolves have been able to get this far thanks to the contributions of each player. "These teammates are like my brothers," Edwards said, "and it's an incredible feeling to see them give their all and play at a high level." Because it makes everybody happy. I can't wait to praise them after every game. Because I know everyone wants to give credit to me, but I can't do anything without them. They are the most valuable players every night. ”

List of injuries and illnesses

Warriors: Curry is out

Timberwolves: All players are available

ESPN predicts the win rate: Warriors 34.7%, Timberwolves 65.3%