SAN FRANCISCO (Interstat) — The Minnesota Timberwolves look to solidify their playoff positioning when they visit the struggling Golden State Warriors on Friday night at Chase Center. Minnesota (40-25) enters the contest fifth in the Western Conference but is coming off a 120-106 road loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. The Timberwolves had won five of six prior to that defeat. Forward Julius Randle, a key acquisition, has been a consistent contributor. Over his last 10 games, he is averaging 13.9 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists, including a 23-point, 11-rebound performance in a win over Memphis on March 3. The Warriors (32-33) have lost three straight and four of their last five, falling below .500 and into 10th place in the West. Their most recent loss was a 130-124 defeat to Chicago on Tuesday. Guard Gary Payton has provided energy, posting a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds in that contest. Over his last five games, Payton is averaging 12.6 points and 5.8 rebounds. The season series is tied 1-1. The Timberwolves won the most recent meeting 108-83 in Minneapolis on Jan. 26, one day after the Warriors routed Minnesota 111-85 in the same building. In the only meeting in San Francisco this season, the Timberwolves won 127-120 on Dec. 12, 2025. For Minnesota, center Rudy Gobert is coming off a 12-rebound game against the Lakers. The Warriors will rely on veterans Draymond Green and Al Horford, who combined for 25 points, 16 rebounds and nine assists against Chicago. The Timberwolves begin a four-game road trip with this contest, while the Warriors open a six-game homestand, their longest of the season, before embarking on a lengthy Eastern Conference road trip. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PDT.