Devin Vassell and the Spurs play a very important game tonight (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs return to the Frost Bank Center tonight for the biggest game of their season. After taking a 2-1 lead in the series, the Spurs dropped Game 4 in Minnesota to the Timberwolves by a final score of 114-109.
Game 4 will be remembered for the elbow by Victor Wembanyama that led to his ejection. After a review, it was determined that his elbow was a flagrant foul penalty two. The result was an automatic ejection. Thankfully, Wembanyama wasn’t suspended and will be available tonight in Game 5.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
The biggest story on San Antonio’s side is the health of De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper. Fox is listed as questionable for Game 5 because of right ankle soreness after getting hurt in Game 4, while Harper was added to the injury report later with left knee soreness and is also questionable.
If the Spurs are without either guard, that would be a huge loss. Fox and Harper both had 24 points in Game 4, which led the way for San Antonio (see the Final Grades).
Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Update
Minnesota enters Game 5 in much better shape. Anthony Edwards, who has been managing a left knee bone bruise, was removed from the injury report for Game 4 and remains available. Ayo Dosunmu has also been removed from the injury report after previously dealing with heel soreness. The only long-term absence for the Timberwolves remains Donte DiVincenzo, who is out for the season with an Achilles injury.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
If Fox is able to go, expect head coach Mitch Johnson to stick with the usual starting five: Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie and Wembanyama. If Fox can’t play, expect Harper to start in his place. If both Fox and Harper are unavailable, it’s difficult to predict who the Spurs would start. It’s possible that the coaching staff would go with a bigger lineup featuring Harrison Barnes with Castle being moved to point guard.
Another possible starter would be Carter Bryant. The rookie would add more defense and more athleticism to the starting five.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Timberwolves
The Timberwolves are favored by 9.5 points, while the over/under is 218.5 points. With Fox and Harper less than 100%, this would be a safe game to take the under.