I get it, no Steph Curry probably spells doom for Golden State. But this is simply too many points. Jimmy Butler had 20-plus PTS in 6 of 10 playoff games (10.5 PPG in other 4 games). He needs to be better in this deciding game. Look for the Warriors to keep it close enough.

For any chance of staying alive into Game 6 minus Steph Curry (a big ask), Golden State has to play as it did in Game 3, turn the contest into a grinder, and slow the pace. The Warriors also need Jimmy Butler to show up like he did in Game 3 when scoring 33, and not the passive Game 4 Jimmy that was a -30 in the +/-. Even so, it was a wretched third period stretch on Monday when the Wolves took advantage with a 39-17 run to effectively put the game away. Minnesota likely closes out the Dubs, but we suspect this might not be easy if Steve Kerr can pace this game as he envisions. Play Warriors.

The Warriors have had no answers for Julius Randle. The Timberwolves only scored 88 points as a team in Game 1, but Randle still finished with 18 points. He has scored at least 24 points in each of the last three games, including scoring 31 points in Game 4. He played at least 33 minutes and attempted at least 17 shots in all three of those games. As the Timberwolves look to close out the Warriors at home, expect there to be a lot shot attempts coming Randle’s way.

DraftKings. Let’s run it back with Jonathan Kuminga. He’s now cleared this line in 16 of 24 games that he’s played at least 26 minutes this season. And without Steph Curry, Kuminga’s scoring prowess is desperately needed alongside Jimmy Butler. Even though I expect him to once again come off the bench, he’s eclipsed this total in each of the three Steph-less games this series.