Following a quick profitable journey to Portland, the Spurs return residence for 3 straight matches, beginning with Sunday’s towards the Timberwolves. Will probably be the second matchup of the season between these outfits, with their first one being claimed by San Antonio on Nov. 2. That was the night time Chris Paul racked up 15 factors and 13 assists and Keldon Johnson added 25 environment friendly factors off the bench.
The Timberwolves are a proficient group on paper however one of many season’s greatest disappointments to this point. They’ve gained 5 of their final 10 video games, and their greatest participant, Anthony Edwards, is averaging 23.7 factors on 41.7 % capturing, together with 42.2 % from 3-point vary in that span. The character of this group has not been the identical after Karl-Anthony Cities was shipped to New York in alternate for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo within the offseason. The Spurs have a pleasant alternative to bolster their document towards a group that hasn’t been united.
San Antonio Spurs (13-12) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (13-11)
Dec. 15, 2024, 6 PM CT
Watch: FanDuel Sports activities Community Southwest | Hear: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs accidents: Stephon Fort- Questionable (left shoulder contusion), Zach Collins-Uncertain (Bilateral low again contusion), David Duke Jr.- Out (G-League), Harrison Ingram- Out (G-League), Keldon Johnson- Out (left calf pressure). Tre Jones- Questionable (left shoulder sprain), Riley Minix- Out (G-League).
Timberwolves accidents: Jaylen Clark- Out (G-League), Jesse Edwards- Out (G-League), Joe Ingles- Out (left soleus pressure), Leonard Miller- Out (G-League), Daishen Nix- Out (G-League).
What to observe for
How Wembanyama handles completely different matchups
The Spurs’ first-quarter points will probably proceed as a result of the Timberwolves open video games sturdy whereas the Spurs are stumbling out of the gates. Anticipate Victor Wembanyama to be guarded by the three bigs, Randle, Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid. They’ll attempt to suffocate him by taking part in him bodily whereas on and off the ball however his size shall be an excessive amount of for them contained in the arc. This shall be an evening for Paul to shine as a result of the Spurs will want his IQ to control Minnesota’s fifth-rated protection into giving up the 3-point line.
Profiting from Minnesota’s offense
Moreover, the Timberwolves are sixth in isolation frequency as one of many groups that likes to focus on gamers. Edwards goes to wish to go huge recreation trying to find Wemby as he has earlier than by way of decide and roll. Setting decide up factors for Edwards advancing up court docket would require excessive consideration to element as a result of one misstep and he’ll blow by, making a five-one-four. But, it will likely be simpler for the Spurs to protect them whereas Gobert is energetic as a result of his teammates lose belief in his weak offensive recreation.
On prime of that, Minnesota has a below-average, predictable assault. If the Spurs don’t over-help off the three-point line, they are going to be in good place late to drag off the victory. Moreover, it would assist the Spurs that Minnesota’s offense performs towards a set protection for 86.9 % of their time, per Cleansing the Glass.
The Spurs are usually not favored on this recreation. The ESPN Wager moneyline is -170 for Minnesota and +145 for San Antonio.
