Timberwolves Aim to Extend Winning Streak Against Struggling Spurs

The Minnesota Timberwolves are locked in a tight Western Conference playoff race and know every game matters. With four consecutive wins, they have built momentum at the perfect time, but their job is far from finished. As they head into Sunday’s matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, the focus is on maintaining their form and avoiding any missteps against a struggling opponent.

San Antonio, meanwhile, is limping toward the end of the season. The Spurs have lost six of their last eight games, including a 127-109 blowout loss to Sacramento on Friday. With key injuries and an uncertain lineup, they face an uphill battle against a Timberwolves squad that has been firing on all cylinders.

Minnesota’s Playoff Push and Growing Confidence

The Timberwolves sit in the middle of a packed Western Conference race, where eight teams are separated by just 7.5 games. Finishing in the top six is crucial, as it would allow Minnesota to avoid the play-in tournament and secure a guaranteed playoff spot.

All they can control is their next game, and so far, they have been stacking wins. Their latest victory, a 106-104 nail-biter over the Miami Heat on Friday, showcased their ability to close out tough games.

“We’re stacking them,” Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker said. “(We’re) heading in the right direction.”

Before beating Miami, Minnesota earned wins against Charlotte, Philadelphia, and Phoenix, proving their ability to handle a variety of opponents.

Spurs Struggling Without Wembanyama

The Spurs have been dealing with adversity all season, and it only got worse when Victor Wembanyama was ruled out for the rest of the year due to a deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. His absence has left a massive void, forcing other players to step up.

One of those players is De’Aaron Fox, who has been leading the team in Wembanyama’s absence. Since joining San Antonio, Fox has averaged 19.1 points and 6.7 assists per game, but his shooting efficiency has been a concern. He is making just 43 percent of his shots from the field and 24.4 percent from three-point range.

Fox has also been playing through injury. He is expected to undergo season-ending surgery on his left pinky finger in mid-March, possibly during the team’s upcoming trip to Los Angeles.

“I haven’t made a shot in two weeks, man,” Fox admitted after the loss to Sacramento, highlighting his struggles.

With Wembanyama out and Fox battling injury, the Spurs’ primary scoring threats are now Devin Vassell (15.7 points per game) and Stephon Castle (13.4 points per game).

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Anthony Edwards Leading the Way for Minnesota

Anthony Edwards continues to be the engine for Minnesota, averaging 27.2 points per game on 43.9 percent shooting overall and 40.6 percent from deep.

Although he finished with just 13 points against Miami—his second-lowest total of the season—he impacted the game in other ways. Edwards pulled down 13 rebounds, showcasing his ability to contribute beyond scoring.

“A lot of those were in the air and in traffic,” Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch said, praising Edwards’ effort on the boards.

Beyond Edwards, Julius Randle has been a crucial piece, averaging 18.8 points and a team-high 7.3 rebounds per game. Naz Reid has also provided steady scoring, contributing 14.8 points per contest.

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Season Series: Timberwolves Hold the Edge

Sunday’s game will mark the fourth and final meeting between these teams in the regular season.

• Nov. 2: Spurs won 113-103
• Dec. 15: Timberwolves won 106-92
• Dec. 29: Timberwolves won 112-110

San Antonio took the first matchup early in the season, but Minnesota has responded with two consecutive wins. With the way both teams are trending, the Timberwolves will be looking to secure a 3-1 series victory and extend their winning streak to five games.

Keys to the Game

For the Timberwolves:

• Continue strong defensive rebounding to limit second-chance points.
• Keep Anthony Edwards engaged even if his scoring is down, utilizing his playmaking and rebounding.
• Exploit San Antonio’s lack of rim protection with Wembanyama out.

For the Spurs:

• De’Aaron Fox needs to find his rhythm, even while battling injury.
• Devin Vassell and Stephon Castle must step up as consistent scoring options.
• Avoid slow starts, as the Spurs have struggled early in games, forcing them to play from behind.

Final Thoughts

The Timberwolves are in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race, and games like this are must-win opportunities. The Spurs, short-handed and struggling, are unlikely to provide much resistance unless Fox delivers a standout performance.

With Minnesota’s defense clicking and its stars playing at a high level, expect the Timberwolves to continue their winning streak and strengthen their playoff position as they head into the final stretch of the season.