NBA Western Conference Game 1 Semi-Finals Preview: Minnesota Timberwolves (0-0) vs. San Antonio Spurs (0-0)

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Venue: Frost Bank Center — San Antonio, Texas

Tip‑Off: 8:00 PM CT / 6:00 PM PT / 9:00 PM ET

Broadcast: TNT / Bally Sports Southwest / Bally Sports North

INJURY REPORT

Minnesota Timberwolves

Anthony Edwards (G/F)Probable, minor ankle soreness

Karl‑Anthony Towns (F/C)Probable, knee maintenance

Rudy Gobert (C)Probable, back tightness

Jaden McDaniels (F)Questionable, hip contusion

San Antonio Spurs

Victor Wembanyama (C/F)Probable, conditioning management

Devin Vassell (G/F)Probable, minor hamstring tightness

Jeremy Sochan (F)Out, wrist sprain

Zach Collins (C)Out, ankle injury

TEAM RECORDS (2025–26 SEASON RECAP)

Minnesota Timberwolves

Record: 52–30

Offensive Rating: Top‑12

Defensive Rating: Top‑5

Playoffs: Eliminated in Western Conference Semifinals

San Antonio Spurs

Record: 34–48**

Offensive Rating: Bottom‑10

Defensive Rating: Middle‑tier

Playoffs: Did not qualify

RECENT TEAM FORM (PRESEASON & CONTEXT)

Minnesota Timberwolves

Edwards looked dominant in preseason

Towns healthy and spacing the floor well

Gobert anchoring a top‑tier defensive scheme

Bench rotation still being finalized

San Antonio Spurs

Wembanyama showcased expanded offensive range

Vassell emerging as a reliable secondary scorer

Spurs experimenting with faster pace and more 5‑out spacing

Defense inconsistent without Collins and Sochan

KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS

1. Anthony Edwards (MIN) vs. Devin Vassell (SAS)

Edwards’ explosiveness vs. Vassell’s length and discipline

Edwards averaged 28.4 PPG vs. Spurs last season Edge: Minnesota

2. Victor Wembanyama (SAS) vs. Rudy Gobert (MIN)

Elite length vs. elite rim protection

Wemby’s perimeter skills challenge Gobert’s mobility Edge: Even

3. Karl‑Anthony Towns (MIN) vs. Spurs Frontcourt

Spurs lack size with Collins/Sochan out

Towns’ shooting creates major matchup problems Edge: Minnesota

4. Timberwolves Bench vs. Spurs Bench

Minnesota deeper at guard/wing

Spurs rely heavily on young, inconsistent reserves Edge: Minnesota

SERIES HISTORY

2025–26 Season Series: Timberwolves won 3–1

Last 10 Meetings: Minnesota leads 7–3

In San Antonio: Minnesota has won 4 of last 6

Wembanyama vs. Gobert matchups have been physical and low‑scoring

BETTING TRENDS

Minnesota Timberwolves

6–1 in last 7 season openers

Under has hit in 5 of last 7 road openers

Edwards averages 27+ PPG in last 10 road games

San Antonio Spurs

2–5 in last 7 home openers

Over has hit in 4 of last 6 at Frost Bank Center

Wembanyama averaged 22.1 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 3.4 BPG in final 20 games last season

Game Odds

Minnesota Timberwolves            217.5

San Antonio Spurs                           – 13.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, May 3, 2026

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