San Antonio Spurs vs Minnesota Timberwolves Picks and Predictions November 2nd 2024

Spurs vs Timberwolves November 2nd 2024

At 8:00 ET, the Minnesota Timberwolves (-171) will take on the San Antonio Spurs (+144) in a Western Conference matchup. The Timberwolves are favored by 4 points, and the over/under line is set at 215.

This game will be played at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio and can be seen on FDSS.

Timberwolves vs. Spurs Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Minnesota Timberwolves at San Antonio Spurs
• Where: San Antonio at Frost Bank Center
• Date: Saturday, November 2nd
• Betting Odds MIN -4, MIN -171 | SA +144 O/U 215

The Timberwolves Can Win If…

The Timberwolves improved to 3-2 on the season with a 119-116 win over the Nuggets on Friday. Playing at home, Minnesota was favored by 3.5 points but didn’t cover the spread. The game’s total points of 235 exceeded the over/under line of 219.

A key moment came when the Timberwolves went on a 15-0 run, stretching the score from 30-29 to 45-29. Denver fought back, outscoring Minnesota 31-28 in the 4th quarter, but the Timberwolves held on for the win.

Anthony Edwards knocked down 7 threes at a 50% clip in the Timberwolves’ win over the Nuggets, finishing with 29 points and 4 assists. Minnesota hit 18 threes as a team, shooting 42.9% from deep and 51.8% overall from the field.

Julius Randle contributed 23 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds, shooting 61.5% from the floor. Rudy Gobert added 17 points and 14 rebounds, hitting 70% of his shots.

Defensively, the Timberwolves gave up 116 points to the Nuggets on Friday but managed to secure the win. They allowed 29 points in the 1st quarter and 32 in the 2nd. Their best defensive effort came in the 3rd quarter, where they gave up just 24 points, but they allowed 31 in the 4th.

Minnesota held Denver to 44% shooting overall, including 34% from three-point range, with the Nuggets making 11 threes. The Timberwolves sent Denver to the line 29 times, where they made 23 free throws. Minnesota recorded 8 steals and 9 blocks in the game.

• In their last five road games, Minnesota has averaged 106 points per game while allowing 106 . The team’s record in this stretch was 3-2 while going 3-2 vs. the spread.
• Across their last three matchups as the betting favorite, the Timberwolves have an overall record of 2-1 while going 0-3 against the spread.
• Over their last five games, the Timberwolves have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 1-4 vs. the spread.

The Spurs Can Win If…

The Spurs improved to 2-3 on the season with a 106-88 road win over the Jazz on Thursday. San Antonio, favored by 2.5 points, covered the spread with the 18-point victory. The game’s total of 194 points fell well short of the 220.5 O/U line.

After trailing 30-19 after the 1st quarter, the Spurs took control with a 13-0 run, stretching the score from 9-3 to 22-3. They outscored Utah 28-23 in the 2nd quarter, 30-14 in the 3rd, and 29-21 in the 4th to seal the win.

Anthony Edwards knocked down 7 threes at a 50% rate, finishing with 29 points and 4 assists in the Timberwolves’ win over the Nuggets. Minnesota hit 18 threes as a team, shooting 42.9% from deep and 51.8% overall from the field.

Julius Randle contributed 23 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds, shooting 61.5% from the floor. Rudy Gobert added 17 points and 14 rebounds, hitting 70% of his shots.

The Spurs tightened up defensively after a shaky 1st quarter, holding the Jazz to just 58 points over the final three quarters, including a 14-point 3rd, to secure a 106-88 win. San Antonio limited Utah to 39% shooting from the field.

San Antonio was particularly effective at defending the three-point line, where they held the Jazz to 21% shooting and just 7 made threes. The Spurs also racked up 17 steals and 7 blocks in the game.

• In their last three home games, San Antonio has averaged 102 points per game while allowing 104. The team’s record in this stretch was 1-2 while going 2-1.
• Through their last three games as the betting underdog, the Spurs have a strong record vs the spread going 2-1. Their straight up mark in these contests is 1-2.
• In their last five games, the Spurs have an over/under record of 2-3 and are 3-2 vs. the spread.

The Lean

The Timberwolves is our selection to secure the victory, with a projected score of 153-119. We also like them to cover the spread, so we suggest betting on the Timberwolves at -4.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 215 and our model has the Timberwolves and Spurs finishing with a combined 272 points. Our pick is to take the over.

The Minnesota Timberwolves will aim to build on recent success as they travel to San Antonio to face the Spurs and their emerging star, Victor Wembanyama, on Saturday. With both teams emphasizing defense as a cornerstone of their gameplay, this matchup promises to be a strategic battle on both ends of the court.

Expert NBA Picks

Minnesota Timberwolves: A Balancing Act with New Dynamics

Key Win Against the Nuggets
The Timberwolves enter Saturday’s game on the heels of a thrilling 119-116 victory over the Denver Nuggets. This dramatic win at home showcased Minnesota’s ability to rally under pressure, scoring the game’s last 10 points after relinquishing a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter. This victory secured a winning homestand and momentum heading into San Antonio.

Anthony Edwards Leading the Charge
Anthony Edwards has solidified his role as the offensive leader, scoring 29 points in the comeback win over Denver. His precision from deep has been a highlight—he has attempted and made more three-pointers than any other player in the league, with a current tally of 29 out of 67 attempts. Edwards’ ability to deliver under pressure, as demonstrated by his 7-for-14 performance from beyond the arc on Friday, makes him a crucial element in Minnesota’s game plan.

Gobert and Defensive Adaptations
Rudy Gobert’s presence on the court continues to be essential, not just for his rebounding and scoring (17 points and 14 rebounds against Denver), but also for his defensive leadership. Transition defense, particularly when opponents capitalize on quick plays following offensive attempts by Minnesota’s guards, has been a point of concern. Gobert highlighted the team’s focus on limiting easy transition buckets, emphasizing collective responsibility: “We don’t want to be a team that just gives up layups or dunks.”

Adjusting Without Towns
With Karl-Anthony Towns no longer anchoring the transition defense from the top of the key, Minnesota has had to adapt. The team’s guards must step up their efforts to prevent fast breaks, a strategic shift that remains a work in progress.

San Antonio Spurs: Building on Defensive Strengths

Wembanyama’s All-Around Brilliance
Victor Wembanyama continues to capture headlines with performances that demonstrate his versatility. His recent game against Utah was a masterclass, where he tallied 25 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, five blocks, and five steals. These numbers not only underscore his defensive capabilities but also position him among legendary players like Hakeem Olajuwon and Andrei Kirilenko, who have posted such stat lines multiple times in their careers.

Popovich’s Defensive Philosophy
Despite their offensive capabilities, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich remains focused on defense. He admitted, “We’re not ready to be a top-five defensive team by any stretch of the imagination,” while acknowledging that the team’s commitment to defense has been evident since the start of the season. This approach has paid off, as evidenced by their second-half lockdown in a 106-88 victory over the Jazz, where they outscored Utah 30-14 in the third quarter.

Supporting Cast’s Contributions
The Spurs’ success is not solely due to Wembanyama. Chris Paul’s veteran leadership shone through against Utah, contributing 19 points and 10 assists. Keldon Johnson and Jeremy Sochan also played key roles, scoring 13 and 11 points, respectively, showcasing the team’s depth and collective defensive effort.

Tactical Matchups to Watch

Edwards’ Shooting vs. Spurs’ Perimeter Defense
A crucial aspect of Saturday’s game will be how well San Antonio can contain Edwards’ perimeter shooting. His aggressive three-point strategy could test the Spurs’ ability to close out on shooters and manage defensive rotations effectively.

Transition Battles
Minnesota’s vulnerability in transition defense could be exploited by the Spurs, who have shown the ability to push the pace, especially when Wembanyama is on the floor. Gobert’s role as the defensive anchor will be pivotal in these moments, ensuring that Minnesota’s guards don’t get caught upcourt.

Defensive Consistency as a Game Decider
Both teams have underscored the importance of defense, but which side can maintain its defensive intensity for four quarters? The Timberwolves will need to avoid lapses like those that nearly cost them against Denver, while the Spurs will look to replicate their dominant third-quarter performance from the Utah game.

Outlook and Implications

Saturday’s matchup will be the first of three between the Timberwolves and Spurs this season and the only one played in San Antonio. It offers both teams a chance to set an early tone for future contests. For Minnesota, consistent defensive effort and limiting fast-break points will be critical, while the Spurs will look to capitalize on Wembanyama’s unique skill set and continue their defensive cohesion.

Conclusion

With both teams coming off recent wins that showcased their defensive resolve, fans can anticipate a clash defined by strategic adjustments and intense defensive play. The Timberwolves’ adjustment to life without Towns and their reliance on Edwards’ offensive firepower will be tested against the Spurs’ balanced approach and Wembanyama’s emerging stardom.

This game will not only highlight each team’s strengths and weaknesses but also serve as a barometer for their respective progress early in the season.

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