The San Antonio SpursTeam·San Antonio Spurs face a critical juncture in their first-round series against the Minnesota TimberwolvesTeam·Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night, with the 62-20 second seed seeking to even the matchup at home after a stunning Game 1 upset loss. The Timberwolves' 104-102 victory on May 4 sent shockwaves through the West, but the Spurs' 34-10 home record and nine-win regular-season advantage suggest this series remains firmly in their favor—if they can correct course.
The most glaring issue from Game 1 was San Antonio's three-point shooting collapse. The Spurs connected on just 28 percent from deep (10-36), a stark departure from their league-leading 48.3 percent field-goal efficiency during the regular season. Dylan HarperPlayer·Dylan Harper's 18 points on 7-13 shooting offered a bright spot, and Stephon CastlePlayer·Stephon Castle's 14-32 playoff three-point mark provides confidence, but the team's 28.1 assists per game suggest the offensive rhythm was disrupted. Minnesota, meanwhile, shot 38 percent from three (10-26) and rank second in the West at 37.0 percent for the season. If the Spurs cannot tighten their perimeter defense and find their stroke, a 0-2 hole becomes a genuine threat.
The health of Anthony EdwardsPlayer·Anthony Edwards will shape Minnesota's ceiling in Game 2. The Timberwolves' star guard, who averaged 28.8 points per game during the regular season, is listed as questionable with a knee injury after playing just 25 minutes off the bench in Game 1, finishing with 18 points. Julius RandlePlayer·Julius Randle stepped into the primary scoring role with 21 points, and if Edwards cannot return to starter minutes, the Wolves' offensive load falls squarely on Randle's shoulders. Conversely, if Edwards plays significant minutes, Minnesota's 48.1 field-goal percentage—three points above San Antonio's season opponent average—could prove devastating.
The frontcourt battle will be equally decisive. Victor WembanyamaPlayer·Victor Wembanyama delivered a dominant Game 1 performance with 11 points, 15 rebounds, and a playoff-record 12 blocks, showcasing the defensive versatility that makes the Spurs formidable. Over his last 10 games, Wembanyama averaged 15.2 points, and his rim protection will be essential against Rudy GobertPlayer·Rudy Gobert, who grabbed 10 rebounds in Game 1. The Spurs allow 46.2 percent opponent field-goal shooting, and Minnesota must exploit the paint if they hope to steal another road victory.
Injury concerns extend beyond Edwards. The Timberwolves have Ayo DosunmuPlayer·Ayo Dosunmu listed as questionable with a calf injury, while Donte DiVincenzoPlayer·Donte DiVincenzo is out for the season with a leg injury. San Antonio faces similar depth questions, with Carter BryantPlayer·Carter Bryant questionable (foot) and David Jones GarciaPlayer·David Jones Garcia sidelined for the season (ankle). Both teams enter on strong form—the Spurs went 7-3 over their last 10 games and averaged 114.8 points per game, while the Timberwolves posted 116.4 points per game over the same stretch.
Game 2 tips off at 9:30 p.m. ET in San Antonio, with the Spurs favored by 9.5 points and the over-under set at 215.5. The Spurs' home dominance and regular-season superiority suggest a return to form, but Minnesota's upset victory proved this series carries genuine unpredictability. For San Antonio, correcting three-point shooting and maintaining defensive intensity will determine whether they level the series or face an early 0-2 deficit.
Victor Wembanyama (World) and Anthony Edwards (USA) compete during the NBA All-Star 2026 game. Anadolu Agency/IMAGO
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