Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves – Game #26
Jeremy Sochan and the Spurs will look to win their third straight (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs (13-12) will try to pass the Minnesota Timberwolves (13-11) in the Western Conference standings tonight when the two teams face off in South Texas. The Spurs are riding a two-game winning streak, while the Timberwolves have won five of their last six contests.
In both of San Antonio’s most recent victories, Victor Wembanyama authored the winning plays down the stretch. Versus the New Orleans Pelicans, he scored the games final seven points to give the Spurs a 121-116 win. Against the Portland Trail Blazers, he hit two free throws with two seconds remaining to provide the final advantage in his team’s 118-116 victory.
After a disappointing slow start following their run to the Western Conference Finals last season, Minnesota is starting to turn it around. Not only have they won five of six, they held their opponents to 92 or few points in all five of the wins.
As it stands, the Timberwolves are tied with the Phoenix Suns for seventh place in the West. The Spurs, on the other hand, are tied with the Los Angeles Lakers for the tenth spot.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
The Spurs remain banged up heading into this affair. Stephon Castle has a bruised shoulder and is listed as questionable. Tre Jones has a sprained shoulder and is also listed as questionable. Zach Collins has an injured back after taking a hard spill and is listed as doubtful. Keldon Johnson, who hurt his calf in a scary non-contact play, is out for tonight’s game against the Timberwolves.
Victor Wembanyama has been dealing with back soreness lately but he’s not on the injury report.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
We know four of the five starters. Expect Mitch Johnson to go with Chris Paul, Julian Champagnie, Harrison Barnes and Victor Wembanyama. Stephon Castle would likely be the fifth starter if he’s healthy enough to play. If not, Jeremy Sochan will likely be elevated to the starting unit.
Devin Vassell has seen his minutes go up recently and he too could enter the starting lineup at some point soon.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Timberwolves
The Timberwolves are favored by 4.5 points and the over/under is 215 points. The smart money is actually on the under. In their last six games, Minnesota is holding teams to 92.2 points per game. It’s going to be difficult for the teams to combine for 215 points with the way the Timberwolves are playing defense right now.