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Minnesota (2-2) at San Antonio (2-2)
- When: May 12 2026, 8:00 PM
- Where: Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
- TV: NBC/Peacock
Minnesota vs San Antonio Preview & Prediction
Spread: San Antonio -10.0
Moneyline: San Antonio (-400)
Total: 219.0
San Antonio Spurs Betting Preview
The Spurs laying -10.0 are getting exactly what they wanted heading into Game 5: Victor Wembanyama back on the floor with no suspension attached after his controversial ejection in Game 4.
That changes everything for San Antonio.
The series is tied 2-2 after Minnesota escaped with a 114-109 win Sunday, but the Spurs nearly stole that game despite losing Wembanyama midway through the second quarter. His absence completely shifted the pace and style of the matchup, forcing San Antonio into smaller, faster lineups that eventually wore down late.
Before the ejection, Wembanyama was once again impacting the game defensively and forcing Minnesota to alter nearly every offensive possession around the paint. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson defended his young superstar afterward, making it clear opposing teams have spent the entire season trying to wear him down physically.
San Antonio still showed impressive offensive depth without him. De’Aaron Fox exploded for 24 points, while rookie guard Dylan Harper matched him with another confident scoring performance. Stephon Castle added 20 points as the Spurs consistently attacked Minnesota off the dribble.
The biggest issue for San Antonio was closing the game defensively once Anthony Edwards completely took over during the fourth quarter. With Wembanyama available Tuesday, the Spurs should regain control defensively around the rim while slowing Minnesota’s transition opportunities.
At home, San Antonio’s size advantage and defensive pressure become even more dangerous.
Spurs Player Prop Pick: Victor Wembanyama Over 26.5 Points
Wembanyama should return aggressively after the ejection and remain the focal point offensively throughout this crucial Game 5 matchup.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Preview
Minnesota proved something important in Game 4: this team still knows how to survive playoff chaos.
Anthony Edwards completely flipped the game in the fourth quarter, scoring 16 of his 36 points during the final period while taking over offensively every time Minnesota desperately needed a basket.
Even Edwards admitted the game became stylistically different once Wembanyama left the floor. Without San Antonio’s defensive anchor protecting the paint, the Timberwolves attacked more freely downhill and found cleaner offensive spacing.
The challenge now becomes repeating that success with Wembanyama fully available again.
Minnesota still received solid support around Edwards. Naz Reid delivered strong energy off the bench with 15 points and nine rebounds, while Rudy Gobert quietly produced 11 points and 13 rebounds.
The Timberwolves’ experience also remains important in a tense playoff environment. This core has already been through multiple deep postseason runs together, and that confidence showed late Sunday when Minnesota stayed composed after trailing entering the fourth quarter.
Still, asking Edwards to consistently carry this level of scoring responsibility against San Antonio’s length is dangerous long term, especially with his lingering knee injury continuing to limit him physically at times.
Minnesota needs better defensive execution early Tuesday or this game could quickly swing toward the Spurs once the crowd gets involved.
Timberwolves Player Prop Pick: Anthony Edwards Over 25.5 Points
Edwards remains Minnesota’s clear offensive engine and should continue carrying a massive scoring workload throughout this series.
NBA Final Score & Expert Prediction
This series completely changes when Wembanyama is on the court, and San Antonio now returns home with momentum despite the Game 4 loss.
The Spurs proved they can still score efficiently even without their superstar, but his defensive presence should dramatically improve their ability to contain Edwards late in games.
Minnesota’s experience keeps them dangerous, but San Antonio feels positioned to reclaim control behind its size, home crowd, and defensive intensity.
The spread -10.0 is large for a playoff game, but San Antonio’s dominance with Wembanyama active makes it understandable.
Final Score: Spurs 118, Timberwolves 104
Lean: San Antonio -10.0
Total: Over 219.0
- NBA Playoffs Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
