Devin Vassell and the Spurs will try to keep the good times rolling (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs will conclude a four-game road trip tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Spurs have a record of 13-5 on the season after winning two of the first three games on this road trip. The Timberwolves enter tonight’s contest with a record of 11-8.
San Antonio is coming off of perhaps their best win of the season, a 139-136 victory over the Denver Nuggets. Devin Vassell led the way with 35 points, including a pair of key three-pointers late in the game. Vassell had a number of teammates join him in playing really well (See the Final Grades).
In their last outing, Minnesota snapped a three-game losing streak by defeating the Boston Celtics by a final count of 119-115. Anthony Edwards led the way with 39 points. The 24-year-old is averaging a career-high 28.7 points per game while shooting at a career-high clip from the field (47.7%) and from three-point range (39.7%).
This is the first of three matchups this season between the Spurs and Timberwolves. The final two games will take place in January.
Spurs NBA Cup Update
By beating the Nuggets, the Spurs won West Group C of the NBA Cup and moved on to the quarterfinals. Group C was nicknamed the group of death due to so many good teams being involved, so San Antonio coming away victorious is an accomplishment in itself.
In the quarterfinals, the Spurs will take on the Los Angeles Lakers on December 10th. To advance, San Antonio must win that game. In total, the Spurs will need to win three more NBA Cup games to take home the title.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
The injury status for the Spurs hasn’t changed. Victor Wembanyama remains sidelined with a strained calf, while Stephon Castle is unavailable due to a hip injury. Jordan McLaughlin is also out with a pulled hamstring.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
Head coach Mitch Johnson won’t change what worked against the Nuggets. At the guard spots, Johnson will start De’Aaron Fox and Devin Vassell. Luke Kornet will get the nod at center, while the starting forwards will be Harrison Barnes and Julian Champagnie.
The Spurs are 10-3 in the 13 games Champagnie has started this season. In those contests, he’s averaging 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game.
Betting Guide: Spurs at Timberwolves
The Timberwolves are favored by 4.5 points and the over/under is 233.5 points. While the Spurs have played well lately, they are due for a letdown game — especially since they are without arguably their two best players. For that reason, put your money on the Timberwolves tonight.