Minnesota Timberwolves vs San Antonio Spurs Picks and Predictions December 29th 2024

Timberwolves Meet Spurs as Optimism Grows

The Minnesota Timberwolves, buoyed by their dynamic duo of Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, are looking to build on a thrilling comeback victory when they host the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday in Minneapolis. Both teams are showing signs of growth and development, with the Timberwolves striving for consistency and the Spurs exploring fresh rotations to spark success.

Timberwolves Find Momentum Behind Edwards and Randle

Minnesota (14-12) is beginning to see how Edwards and Randle can complement each other, both as scorers and leaders. Friday’s 113-112 road win over the Houston Rockets highlighted the potential of the duo. Edwards’ clutch 3-pointer sealed a remarkable 23-6 run to end the game, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

“It was getting a little more gritty on defense, getting a little more into the ball,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said. “We really looked for each other, got clean looks and shared the ball in the right way.”

Randle delivered 27 points in the win, while Edwards added 24, including a scorching 13 points in the first quarter. The pair got strong support from Donte DiVincenzo, who contributed 22 points off the bench.

Friday’s win marked Minnesota’s first time scoring over 110 points in regulation since mid-November and featured the team’s largest fourth-quarter road comeback in two decades. The Timberwolves will look to carry that energy and cohesion into Sunday’s game.

Spurs Show Growth in Road Victory

San Antonio (10-15) earned a confidence-boosting 96-87 road victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday. The Spurs rebounded from a sluggish start to dominate the second half, with rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama leading the way.

Wembanyama scored 19 points, including 11 in a pivotal third quarter. Julian Champagnie added 18 points, and Jeremy Sochan contributed a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds. The win snapped a two-game losing streak and marked the Spurs’ best defensive effort of the season, holding Brooklyn to just 87 points.

Acting coach Mitch Johnson has leaned into a smaller, faster nine-man rotation over the past two games, emphasizing speed and versatility.

“There are a lot of guys that can switch and be versatile on defense and then play fast offensively,” Johnson said. “Those nine guys have all earned minutes.”

Key Matchups and Factors

Edwards and Randle vs. Wembanyama and Sochan

Both teams lean on young stars and versatile big men. Minnesota’s Edwards and Randle have been driving the offense, while Wembanyama’s unique skill set as a scorer and defender presents a constant challenge for opponents.

Defense and Late-Game Execution

Minnesota’s defensive intensity in the fourth quarter against Houston set the tone for their comeback. Similarly, San Antonio’s ability to clamp down on Brooklyn showcased their potential to play disciplined defense. The team that executes better in crunch time could hold the edge.

Bench Impactake?

Both teams are aiming to solidify their identities. The Timberwolves hope to extend their winning streak and inch closer to playoff contention, while the Spurs look to build momentum with Wembanyama at the forefront of their rebuild.

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Prediction

Final Score: Timberwolves 108, Spurs 102
Minnesota’s home-court advantage and the chemistry between Edwards and Randle should give them the edge in a competitive game. Expect Wembanyama to shine, but the Timberwolves’ balanced attack could prove too much for San Antonio to handle.