Spurs vs. Timberwolves 2026 NBA Western Conference Semifinals Game 3 prediction, odds, pick appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
After suffering a surprising loss at home in Game 1 of their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the San Antonio Spurs turned up the intensity and rolled to a 133-95 triumph in Game 2 of the series. The Timberwolves may have stolen home court advantage away from the Spurs, but San Antonio sent a major message with the blowout in Game 2.
The Timberwolves have to change their mindset as they return home for Game 3 of the series Friday night (9:30 p.m. ET, Amazon). Superstar Anthony Edwards had a feeling his team might be in trouble prior to Game 2, as he warned his teammates not to be satisfied by stealing a victory in Game 1 of the series. He was concerned that there would not have the mindset needed to play another winning game on the road.
“We came out cool,” Edwards said after the Game 2 loss, per ESPN.com. “Look what happened. My momma used to tell me that a hard head make a soft ass. That’s what happened tonight.”
The Spurs came out on fire in the first half and rolled to a 24-point advantage at halftime. Point guard Stephon Castle showed off his speed and quickness with a team-high 21 points while Victor Wembanyama made 7 of 15 shots and scored 19 points while adding 15 rebounds and blocking 2 shots. De’Aaron Fox scored 16 points and also gave the Spurs the edge to pull away.
Edwards scored 12 points off the bench for the T-Wolves, a total that was matched Julius Randle, Jaden McDaniels and Terrence Shannon. The Timberwolves are going to have to come out with a much different attitude if they are going to overcome the favored Spurs. It is one thing to steal a game on the road, but it is quite another to turn a series into a full-fledged battle where the underdog actually has a chance to come through with an epic upset.
It’s up to the Timberwolves to respond after absorbing a major blowout.
NBA odds courtesy of DraftKings
Spurs vs. Timberwolves Odds
San Antonio Spurs: -3.5 (-110)
Minnesota Timberwolves: +3.5 (-110)
Over: 215.5 (-115)
Under: 215.5 (-105)
Spurs vs. Timberwolves Injuries
San Antonio Spurs: Ayo Dosunmu (calf) and Anthony Edwards (knee) are probable. Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) is out
Minnesota Timberwolves: Carter Bryant (foot) is probable
Spurs vs. Timberwolves Betting Trends
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The Spurs had a 62-19 regular-season record.
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The Spurs are 7-3 straight up in their last 10 meetings with the Timberwolves.
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The Spurs are 45-34-2 ATS this season, including the postseason.
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The Spurs are -175 (bet $175 to win $100) on the money line.
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The Timberwolves had a 48-33 regular-season record.
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The Timberwolves are 36-45 ATS during the regular season.
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The Timberwolves are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games.
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The Timberwolves are +145 (bet $100 to win $145) on the money line.
Keys to Spurs vs. Timberwolves Game 3 Matchup
Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
The Spurs suffered a loss at home in Game 1 of the series, so they were in a position where they had to respond with a solid performance to avoid going down 0-2 at home. While teams have come back from that deficit in the past, the Spurs had to show who they were or they would be giving Minnesota a huge advantage.
The determination in the San Antonio locker room was resolute. They knew they had let an opportunity to gain an early edge in the series slip through their grasp and they blew out the visitors in Game 2. Now the Timberwolves return home to the Target Center and the pressure is on if they are going to retain the advantage they gained by winning a game on the road.
The Timberwolves have to contain Victor Wembanyama on both ends of the court. Wembanyama is a legitimate MVP candidate because knows how to assert his will and he is learning how to win key games. He is an incredible intimidator when it comes to altering shots. Wembanyama doesn’t necessarily have to block them, but he makes opponents change their shots because of his huge wingspan. He can hit the 3-point shot and score down low, and that gives San Antonio a big advantage. He also knows how to bring out the best in his teammates.
The Timberwolves came through in crunch time against the Denver Nuggets in the opening round as well as in Game 1 against the Spurs. However, Edwards, Randle, McDaniels and Shannon are going to have to figure out a way to slow down the Spurs after the Game 2 blowout. It will be a very challenging task.
Spurs vs. Timberwolves Prediction and Pick
The 7Spurs showed who they were in Game 2 of their series as they were focused for 48 minutes and took the Wolves out of their game quickly. While the Timberwolves get to play at home and that should provide a lift, the Spurs have shown they can play a relentless defense that takes over in the second half.
The Spurs faced double-digit deficits in their road games against Portland Trail Blazers in the first round and they managed to win both of those games with relative ease. If the Timberwolves can build an early lead in Game 3, expect San Antonio’s defense and quickness to take over and give the Spurs the road win they need to take back the homecourt advantage.
Final Spurs-Timberwolves Prediction & Pick: San Antonio Spurs -3.5 (-110); UNDER 215.5 (-105).
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