San Antonio Spurs vs Minnesota Timberwolves: Predictions, Key Matchups, Injuries, More

The Spurs head back to San Antonio for a quick, one game home stand against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT and will be televised on Fox Sports Southwest. The game can also be heard on the radio on WOAI 1200 AM.

How will San Antonio fare against Minnesota? We take a look at recent history, injuries, and key matchups to predict the outcome of the game!

Recent Games

San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs head into this game following a four game road trip. The Spurs finished with a record of 3-1 in their trip, their only loss being to the Brooklyn Nets in overtime.

San Antonio won its most recent game against the Grizzlies in Memphis, winning 107-101 in wire-to-wire fashion. That win was a bounce back victory after the Spurs were defeated by the Nets, which ended their eight game winning streak. San Antonio is looking to continue their new streak tonight against Minnesota.

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves come into this game looking to end their current four game winning streak. The team is reeling following losses to the Western Conference’s best and an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the now one win Philadelphia 76ers.

Although Minnesota has been struggling recently, they do have one positive which is their last game performance. The Timberwolves lost to the Houston Rockets last night but competed for 48 minutes plus some. The team carried the game at home into overtime only losing by two points, 114-112.

Injuries

San Antonio Spurs

Patty Mills, Point Guard – Mills is still healing from surgery on his torn rotator cuff. Expect his minutes to go to Cory Joseph.

Tony Parker, Point Guard – Parker was hurting with a broken/bruised rib and now is also dealing with a mild hamstring strain that was suffered in the Spurs win over Memphis. He is unlikely to play tonight according to San Antonio head coach Gregg Popovich. If he is unable to go, look for Cory Joseph to pick up the start.

Tiago Splitter, Center – Splitter re-aggravated his right calf injury in the game against the Hawks and is expected to miss tonight’s game. Look for Boris Diaw and Matt Bonner to pick up his minutes.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Kevin Martin, Shooting Guard – Martin is still recovering from a broken wrist he suffered last month. Expect Corey Brewer to pick up another start for the injured sharpshooter.

Nikola Pekovic, Center – Pekovic continues to nurse a wrist injury. Gorgui Dieng is expected to pick up his start once again.

Mo Williams, Point Guard – Williams is suffering from a back injury and will not travel with the team to San Antonio. His injury makes the Timberwolves very thin at the point guard position. Look for Zach LaVine to get another start at the point.

Key Matchups

Tonight’s key matchup is the same as the last battle between the San Antonio Spurs and Minneosta Timberwolves. With so many key players out for Minnesota the only logical key matchup to pick is once again the battle between 2014 Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and rookie Andrew Wiggins. These two are some of the best young, talented small forwards in the league and its going to be a great pleasure to watch them go head to head not only now, but, in the future as they keep evolving their game.

Prediction

The San Antonio Spurs will most likely be without Tony Parker tonight but that won’t stop them from grabbing a win against a depleted Minnesota Timberwolves team.

Minnesota has no chance to win this game, especially since it is in San Antonio. Expect the Spurs to make it two in a row on Saturday night, running away with this game in convincing fashion. The highlights of tonight will consist of San Antonio and Minnesota’s young players a this game will be decided early. It will definitely be mop up duty at the end of this one.

Next: Tony Parker Suffers Mild Hamstring Strain