The Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs will lock horns on Monday in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA playoffs Western Conference semis. The Timberwolves won 4-2 against the Denver Nuggets despite being shorthanded over the last two games of the series.
Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo went down in Game 4 and were out for Games 5 and 6. Ayo Dosunmu, the highest points per game scorer, was out for Game 6. Yet, Minnesota shut down Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and the rest of Denver’s roster and capitalized on a 3-1 lead.
On the other hand, the Spurs had a comparatively easier path to the second round. They matched up with the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round and won in five games. Victor Wembanyama missed the second half of Game 2 and the entire Game 3 due to a concussion, but the Spurs stayed the course for an expected result.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs Preview
The Timberwolves could remain shorthanded for this clash as Anthony Edwards and Ayo Dosunmu are questionable. Donte DiVincenzo is out for the playoffs after tearing his Achilles. Nevertheless, Minnesota’s intensity, even when shorthanded, is its greatest strength.
The Timberwolves found significant success in the paint, scoring 50.9% of their points at the rim. That, of course, was also due to the Nuggets’ lack of interior defense. Against the Spurs, that could be a problem, given Victor Wembanyama’s presence. Nevertheless, Minnesota would need to scheme its plan so that Wembanyama defends more on the perimeter.
Defensively, the Timberwolves should look to shut down San Antonio’s perimeter players and overwhelm them by size and strength.
Meanwhile, the Spurs have relied on balanced scoring through their five games in the opening round. There aren’t many teams better than San Antonio to hunt the perfect scoring opportunity. Victor Wembanyama remains focal to that. While his touches in the paint are crucial for things to open up, Wembanyama himself would need to be efficient with his outside scoring.
He shot 53.8% from deep in the first round and sustaining that could improve the Spurs’ chances of neutralizing Minnesota’s defense. Defensively, Wembanyama’s task would be cut out to win rebounding battles against Rudy Gobert and limit Minnesota’s second-chance scoring opportunities.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs Projected Starting Lineups
Timberwolves
The Timberwolves could retain the same lineup that started in Game 6 against the Denver Nuggets. Mike Conley was at point guard with Terrence Shannon Jr. at shooting guard, and Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert completed the frontcourt.
If Ayo Dosunmu and Anthony Edwards return, Conley and Shannon will move to the bench. If only one of Dosunmu or Edwards returns, Shannon could head to the bench.
PG – Mike Conley, SG – Terrence Shannon Jr., SF – Jaden McDaniels, PF – Julius Randle, C – Rudy Gobert
Spurs
The Spurs are unlikely to change their usual starting lineup with De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle in the backcourt, Devin Vassell at small forward, Julian Champagnie at power forward and Victor Wembanyama at center.
PG – De’Aaron Fox, SG – Stephon Castle, SF – Devin Vassell, PF – Julian Champagnie, C – Victor Wembanyama
