The San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves will battle for a 3-2 series lead when they meet in Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals. The Timberwolves picked up a huge 114-109 win in Game 4, tying the series at 2-2 as they head back to San Antonio.
That game proved to be the swing game of the series, and Victor Wembanyama was at the center of it. The 22-year-old was ejected in the second quarter after throwing an elbow at Naz Reid, resulting in a Flagrant 2 foul. Despite being without their star player, the Spurs fought through the game, getting strong performances from De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper, who both finished with 24 points, but ultimately came up short.
Through four games, the Spurs have leaned heavily on Wembanyama, who is averaging 18.3 points, 12.3 rebounds and 4.8 blocks on 49.1% shooting. They will be looking for him to bounce back in Game 5 after avoiding suspension and fines for the incident.
For the Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards delivered a series-high 36 points on 13-of-22 shooting. Minnesota took control after Wembanyama’s ejection, playing strong on both ends as Naz Reid also stepped up with 18 points and nine rebounds.
Teams that go up 3-2 in a playoff series have the highest odds of winning the series, showing just how crucial Game 5 is for both sides. Ultimately, if San Antonio can start strong and stay out of foul trouble, they have a good chance of taking Game 5 in front of their home fans. If they lose and fall down 3-2 against a team loaded with mentality monsters that knows exactly how to close out a playoff series.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs San Antonio Spurs Injury Reports
Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Report
The Timberwolves’ injury report is clean outside of Donte DiVincenzo, who is out with an ACL injury.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Report
The Spurs, on the other hand, have concerns over De’Aaron Fox, as he is listed questionable with right ankle soreness. Fox picked up the injury late in Game 4 but continued to play through the pain. He is expected to go through a late pregame warmup before a final call is made ahead of tipoff.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineups and Depth Charts
Minnesota Timberwolves Starting Lineup and Depth Chart
The Timberwolves are expected to roll out the same lineup that helped them win Game 4. Julius Randle, Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert, Ayo Dosunmu and Anthony Edwards are expected to start.
| PG | Ayo Dosunmu | Mike Conley | Bones Hyland |
| SG | Terrence Shannon Jr. | Anthony Edwards* | Jaylen Clark |
| SF | Jaden McDaniels | Zyon Pullin | Rocco Zikarsky |
| PF | Julius Randle | Kyle Anderson | Joe Ingles |
| C | Rudy Gobert | Naz Reid | Joan Beringer |
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup and Depth Chart
The Spurs have to be breathing a huge sigh of relief to have Victor Wembanyama back in the lineup after he avoided any potential suspension, which could have derailed the series in Minnesota’s favor.
Wembanyama is expected to lead the team once again alongside Julian Champagnie, De’Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell and Stephon Castle. If Fox is unable to play, expect Dylan Harper to get the starting nod.
| PG | De’Aaron Fox | Dylan Harper | |
| SG | Stephon Castle | Keldon Johnson | Lindy Waters III |
| SF | Devin Vassell | Carter Bryant | |
| PF | Julian Champagnie | Harrison Barnes | Kelly Olynyk |
| C | Victor Wembanyama | Luke Kornet | Mason Plumlee |
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