Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

After a short successful trip to Portland, the Spurs return home for three straight games, starting with Sunday’s game against the Timberwolves. It will be the second duel of the season between these teams, with San Antonio winning the first duel on November 2nd. On the night, Chris Paul collected 15 points and 13 assists and Keldon Johnson added 25 efficient points off the bench.

The Timberwolves are a talented team on paper, but have been one of the biggest disappointments of the season so far. They have won five of their last 10 games, and their best player, Anthony Edwards, is averaging 23.7 points on 41.7 percent shooting, including 42.2 percent from 3-point range, during that span. The character of this team was never the same after Karl-Anthony Towns was sent to New York in the offseason in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. The Spurs have a nice opportunity to improve their record against a team that isn’t united.

San Antonio Spurs (13-12) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (13-11)

December 15, 2024, 6:00 p.m. CT

Watch: FanDuel Sports Network Southwest | Listen: WOAI (1200 AM)

Spurs injuries: Stephon Castle – Questionable (left shoulder contusion), Zach Collins-Doubtful (bilateral lower back contusion), David Duke Jr. – Out (G-League), Harrison Ingram – Out (G-League), Keldon Johnson – Out (left calf ). stress). Tre Jones – Questionable (left shoulder sprain), Riley Minix – Out (G-League).

Timberwolves injuries: Jaylen Clark – Out (G-League), Jesse Edwards – Out (G-League), Joe Ingles – Out (left soleus strain), Leonard Miller – Out (G-League), Daishen Nix – Out (G-League) .

What you should pay attention to

How Wembanyama deals with different encounters

The Spurs’ first quarter struggles will likely continue as the Timberwolves open games strong while the Spurs stumble out of the gates. Expect Victor Wembanyama to be guarded by big three Randle, Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid. They will try to smother him by putting physical pressure on him on and off the ball, but his length will be too much for them inside the arc. This will be a night for Paul to shine, as the Spurs will need his IQ to manipulate Minnesota’s fifth-ranked defense into giving up the 3-point line.

Taking advantage of Minnesota’s offense

Additionally, the Timberwolves rank sixth in isolation frequency and are one of the teams that like to target players. Edwards will want to go big game hunting for Wemby, as he has previously done via pick and roll. Determining attack points for Edwards advancing forward requires a lot of attention to detail because one misstep and he will go over, creating a five-one-four. Still, it will be easier for the Spurs to guard them while Gobert is active as his teammates lose confidence in his poor offensive play.

Additionally, Minnesota has a below-average, predictable offense. If the Spurs don’t help beyond the three-point line, they are in position to clinch the win late. Additionally, it will help the Spurs that Minnesota’s offense plays against a solid defense 86.9 percent of the time, according to Cleaning the Glass.

The Spurs are not favored in this game. The ESPN Bet moneyline is -170 for Minnesota and +145 for San Antonio.