Spurs vs Timberwolves game preview: Can San Antonio win two in a row?

The San Antonio Spurs (3-1) once again battle the Minnestoda Timberwolves (2-2) at 7:00pm CST later today in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The Spurs have won a shocking three in a row and hope to secure back-to-back victories in the Twin Cities. The Spurs enter as the 9.5-point underdog and will be without the services of Devin Vassell. The Wolves hope to eke out a win without Kyle Anderson and Austin Rivers.

Tipoff Time: 7:00pm CST

Where to watch: Bally Sports, NBA League Pass, of try a free trial of fuboTV

Over/under: 234.5 total points

Point spread: Wolves favored by 9.5

Moneyline: Spurs +310, Wolves -390

Lock of the night: Keldon Johnson to combine for over 1.5 total steals and blocks, +135 on BetMGM

Injury report: Spurs are without Devin Vassell, Wolves are without Austin Rivers and Kyle Anderson

Please note that betting odds are always changing and updated

Taking the over in this game is a little daunting for me, as each team will need to average over 117 points, which they failed to do so on Monday. With Vassell out, expect the Spurs to put up fewer points than they have this season. If Josh Richardson steps into the starting five, his defense could also help keep the scoring from the opposition to a minimum.

For the lock of the night, I took a defenseive prefromance from Keldon Johnson. He is averaging 1.5 steals per game in this young season but is yet to block a shot. With two steals on Monday's contest and with Vassell out, I think Johnson will take a leap on the defensive end, and he should finally swat a shot or nab a few steals.

Mostly to being without Devin Vassell, I think the Spurs will finally lose a game, 99-108. The score will be close and low, and I doubt the Wolves will ever really pull away. Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert will soon be a deadly duo, especially in the pick-and-roll if KAT can act as a shooter, but they haven't quite figured it out yet.

After this game, the Spurs head home to take on DeMar DeRozan and the Bulls on Friday. After a four-game road trip that at worst will result in a 3-2 record, I think the Spurs can ride their high into the weekend and should have a nice game on Friday.