On Sunday, 03/09, the Minnesota Timberwolves (36-29) will host the San Antonio Spurs (26-35) in a Western Conference Regular-Season match-up. The Timberwolves have risen to 7th in the West, while the Spurs have steadily made sure they will remain in the 13th position. Will the Timberwolves come up with an imposing win against the Wemby-less squad? Read about the preview, total predictions, and player props here.
Timberwolves: Brilliant defense, wonky offense
The Minnesota Timberwolves will come into this game after a fighting two-point win over the Miami Heat, as Julius Randle almost pulled off a triple-double. It was their fourth straight win as the team has taken advantage of a relatively easy schedule. The team’s bench strength has helped them a lot, as Anthony Edwards has shown remarkable flexibility in his role as the leading scorer. The return of Julius Randle has bolstered their all-around chops, but he is still getting used to the team’s offense. While their offense has been inconsistent as they have scored 112.4 points per game(11th worst), the team has been terrific defensively, giving up just 109 PPG(5th) for the season.
Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Mike Conley | SG: Anthony Edwards | SF/PF: Jaden McDaniels | PF: Julius Randle | C: Naz Reid
Key Injuries/Updates: Rudy Gobert is OUT.
Spurs: Victor Wembaynama factor missing
The Spurs enter the game after an 18-point loss against the Sacramento Kings despite a 25-point performance by Stephon Castle. The squad has collapsed since the first week of January, with an 8-19 record since then. This has been an alarming situation because the team lost a ton of games even when their ace, Victor Wembanyama, was active. His absence has hurt them further, as their new acquisition, De’Aaron Fox, hasn’t adjusted well to the new offense yet. Overall, the Spurs’ management must be stressed over Wemby’s unsure future due to a serious medical condition, derailing their promising trajectory under a budding superstar.
Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Chris Paul | PG/SG: De’Aaron Fox | SG/SF: Devin Vassell | SF/PF: Harrison Barnes | C: Bismack Biyombo
Key Injuries/Updates: Victor Wembanyama and Riley Minix are OUT for the season.
The Timberwolves usually pounce all over weak offensive squads and will have the opportunity to do so here as well. Meanwhile, the Wolves’ offense is yet to click on all cylinders, but the Spurs’ lax defense can open the floodgates since San Antonio has conceded 125+ in three of the last four games. I believe San Antonio will allow at least 120 and may struggle to reach the 105 mark.
Projected Predictions:
Anthony Edwards to score over 27.5 points: The Timberwolves’ iso scorer has put up fewer than 20 points in three of the last five games. However, at the same time, they have stacked up 28 points or more in two of those games. I believe he will balance the scales here and can be in the 29-34 points range.
Julius Randle to clasp over 9.5 rebounds: The bruising forward has grabbed over 8 rebounds in three straight games. I believe he will be in 10-12 rebounds range here.
Stephon Castle to be held under 14.5 points: The brilliant rookie has hoared 24 PPG in the last five games. But I expect the Timberwolves’ defense to hold him in the 10-13 points range.
Devin Vassell to score over 15.5 points: The Spurs guard has been highly inconsistent throughout the season, often ending up in single digits. However, I expect him to be in the 17-20 points range.
The Timberwolves will lick their lips at the prospect of playing against teams like the Spurs. They play with tremendous physicality, and the Spurs currently lack the personnel without Wemby to compete against such a style. Thus, they will struggle to score for the most parts and will most likely get dominated in the post. Overall, I see the Timberwolves stitching together a 10+ points win here.
Safe Spread Pick: Timberwolves -11.5 for +105 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn- Imagn Images
nba 
