Sometimes it takes the victory of one statement to get things back on track. The San Antonio Spurs snapped a difficult 10-game post-Christmas streak with a dramatic victory against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night. Suddenly, it felt like the team could once again win the Western Conference. But overreacting to one game is a fool’s errand. This Saturday night contest is an opportunity to show that the team is back on track against a team that is biting its heels in this tournament.
The Spurs will host the Minnesota Timberwolves after a heartbreaking loss to them in Minneapolis last Sunday. San Antonio will be lucky to have a rest, as the Wolves lost late 110-105 to the Houston Rockets on Friday night. Minnesota has been without star Anthony Edwards for two straight games due to a foot injury, but his status for Saturday’s game is unknown.
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The Wolves present a tough match for the Spurs, with their size, strength, athleticism, and shooting ability. San Antonio has fallen late in both losses to Minnesota this season. Strong performances on both the offensive and defensive ends, like they did against Milwaukee, will help them get their first win against the Wolves this season and create some separation at the top.
January 17, 2025 | 7 PM CT
Watch: Fan Duel | Listen to: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs injuries: Stephon Castle – Questionable (illness), Harrison Ingram – Out (G League), Stanley Umude – Out (G League), David Jones-Garcia – Out (G League), Devin Vassell – Out (adductor)
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Timberwolves injuries: Not posted until 1pm CT
What you can watch:
Julius Randle on Victor Wembanyama
Wembanyama found success against his French counterpart, Rudy Gobert, in San Antonio’s last game against the Wolves. That success stopped when Randle became his primary defender. Randle was able to play physical and get underneath Wembanyama, forcing him to leave his position and almost not be able to get to the rim. If the Wolves decide to give Randle a Wemby assignment again, and they probably should, San Antonio will have to find a way to open Wembanyama up for good looks. Watch for the Spurs to use dynamic screens or fade screens on the perimeter to open up space for Wembanyama to get physical.
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Three-point defense
The Spurs found out that the Wolves can get hot early in both of their losses to Minnesota this year. The Wolves do a good job of spreading the ball around with their bigs, as Randle and Naz Reid are both threats from deep. Donte DiVincenzo is a firebrand, and when role players like Bones Hyland and Jaden McDaniels get hot, a game can quickly get out of hand. San Antonio will need to shut down shooters and force tough shots to keep the Wolves down and out of the game.
Guard play
San Antonio’s guards looked good against the Bucks on Thursday. Stephon Castle was efficient, De’Aaron Fox looked comfortable with the ball in his hands, and Dylan Harper provided a spark off the bench. Spurs have the advantage in possession if the trio play normally. Minnesota has tall, strong perimeter defenders who can make their lives difficult. San Antonio will need more from the three guards to get a win on Saturday.
