The NBA playoffs continue on May 13 at 8:00 AM ET, with only one game on the schedule: a pivotal Game 5 between the San Antonio Spurs and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The series is tied 2-2 after the first four games, with the Spurs winning Games 2 and 3, and the Timberwolves taking Games 1 and 4.
The Spurs had a two-game winning streak in Games 2 and 3 but failed to secure a series lead in Game 4, falling 109-114. The key reason for the loss was Victor Wembanyama’s ejection in the second quarter after elbowing Naz Reid, drawing a Flagrant 2 foul. This season, Wembanyama has averaged 19.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.75 steals, and 4.38 blocks per game in eight playoff appearances. His impact on both ends of the floor is immense, making him an indispensable part of the Spurs’ system. After league review, he was not suspended for Game 5, and his performance will be closely watched.
Beyond Wembanyama, the Spurs boast a strong backcourt with De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and rookie Jaren Harper all averaging over 13 points per game. Harper, in particular, has been impressive, averaging 13.8 points and 4.6 rebounds, and scoring 24 points in Game 4. Fox’s status for Game 5 is uncertain due to an ankle injury. The Timberwolves have played with intense physicality and defense in the last four games, and the Spurs must adapt to their style and the officiating. With home-court advantage in Game 5, the Spurs aim to play as a team, minimize turnovers, and execute details.
Harper’s strong play has been a bright spot.
The Timberwolves have relied on an eight-man rotation in recent games, leading to heavy minutes. Players like Naz Reid and Anthony Edwards are playing through injuries. Despite being on the road, they are expected to bring strong determination to clinch the series lead.
The Timberwolves are known for their physical style.
Anthony Edwards has played over 40 minutes in two consecutive games, scoring 30+ each time. He will continue to face double-teams from the Spurs, needing decisive passes and smarter play while trusting his teammates. Julius Randle had a subpar Game 4 and needs to bounce back. Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, Ayo Dosunmu, Rudy Gobert, and Terrence Shannon Jr. are key pieces that could become X-factors in the series. In other playoff news, the Oklahoma City Thunder swept the Los Angeles Lakers 4-0, the New York Knicks swept the Philadelphia 76ers 4-0, and the Cleveland Cavaliers tied the Detroit Pistons 2-2 in the East.
