{"id":195071,"date":"2026-05-12T08:00:05","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T12:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=195071"},"modified":"2026-05-12T05:54:38","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T09:54:38","slug":"timberwolves-vs-spurs-5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/05\/12\/timberwolves-vs-spurs-5\/","title":{"rendered":"Timberwolves vs Spurs Game 5: Prediction, Preview, Odds"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Tuesday evening Western Conference playoff action, and we will see the Minnesota Timberwolves take on the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of their best-of-seven series. The Timberwolves took Game 4, 114-109, to tie the second round at two games apiece. Minnesota has taken four of the seven games between these teams this year. Which team will take Game 5? Continue reading to see my Timberwolves vs Spurs prediction.<\/p>\n<h2>Timberwolves vs Spurs Game 5: Prediction, Preview, Odds<\/h2>\n<h3>Current Odds<\/h3>\n<p><strong>San Antonio -10.5; Over\/Under 218.5<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"arena-liveblog\" data-publisher=\"lwos\" data-event=\"FhTRd61\" data-version=\"2\"><\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/go.arena.im\/public\/js\/arenalib.js?p=lwos&#038;e=FhTRd61\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Minnesota Timberwolves<\/h3>\n<p><span>Minnesota heads into Game 5 with the series tied after a win that showed real composure in key moments. The Timberwolves controlled stretches of Game 4 by attacking early in the clock and keeping San Antonio off balance. <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/e\/edwaran01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Anthony Edwards<\/a> delivered timely scoring, while <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/mcdanja02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jaden McDaniels<\/a> and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/randlju01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Julius Randle<\/a> provided steady production in the half\u2011court. <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/goberru01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rudy Gobert<\/a> anchored the interior and helped Minnesota win several important rebounding battles. <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/dosunay01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ayo Dosunmu<\/a> had a solid but unspectacular game. The Wolves have averaged 109.3 points in the postseason, and their ability to generate second\u2011chance opportunities has been a major factor. Minnesota has found success against San Antonio this season, and the team&#8217;s confidence continues to grow.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Defensively, Minnesota tightened things up in Game 4 after struggling with San Antonio\u2019s spacing earlier in the series. They held the Spurs to tougher looks and limited clean perimeter shots. Gobert\u2019s presence inside forced adjustments, and the Wolves\u2019 rotations were sharper than in previous games. Minnesota has allowed 110.4 points per game in the playoffs, but their effort level has improved with each outing. They also forced San Antonio into several late\u2011clock possessions, which helped slow the Spurs\u2019 rhythm. The Wolves still need to reduce the fouls, but their defensive structure looked more connected.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>For Minnesota to take control of the series, it must continue pushing the pace and avoid long scoring droughts. Edwards\u2019 aggression opens the floor, but the Wolves need consistent contributions from McDaniels and Randle to keep the offense balanced. Gobert\u2019s rebounding remains essential, especially against a Spurs team that thrives on extra possessions. Minnesota also needs to maintain the defensive discipline it showed in Game 4 &#8212; particularly in transition &#8212; and get <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/04\/27\/timberwolves-52-million-ayo-dosunmu-decision-just-got-more-expensive\/\" target=\"_self\">Dosunmu more involved<\/a>. If the Wolves keep the ball moving and stay active on the glass, they can put real pressure on the Spurs heading into the final stretch of the series.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"max-width: 800px\"><smartframe-embed class=\"smartframe_wp_element\" customer-id=\"b0c95bc04383cef69c6b47df872135cf\" image-id=\"WmOBhbHpTErf\" style=\"width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 3000px; aspect-ratio: 3000\/2183;\" ><\/smartframe-embed><\/p>\n<h3>San Antonio Spurs<\/h3>\n<p><span>San Antonio enters Game 5 looking to reset after a loss that slipped away late. The Spurs played well early but struggled to maintain rhythm after <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/wembavi01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Victor Wembanyama<\/a> was <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/05\/11\/victor-wembanyama-ejection\/\" target=\"_self\">ejected<\/a> just 12 minutes into the game. That forced <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/f\/foxde01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">De\u2019Aaron Fox<\/a>, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/v\/vassede01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Devin Vassell<\/a>, and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/castlst01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stephon Castle<\/a> into heavier offensive roles, and they kept the Spurs competitive despite the setback. San Antonio has averaged 113.4 points in the postseason, and the team&#8217;s ball movement has been one of its biggest strengths. <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/champju02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Julian Champagnie<\/a> and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/harpedy01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dylan Harper<\/a> have <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/04\/26\/dylan-harper-already-looks-like-all-star\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">provided much-needed scoring<\/a>, but the absence of Wembanyama\u2019s interior presence changed the flow of the game. The Spurs still generated quality looks, yet they couldn\u2019t close the gap in the final minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Defensively, San Antonio missed the big man&#8217;s rim protection and rebounding. Minnesota attacked the paint more aggressively, and the Spurs struggled to contain drives without their anchor. San Antonio has allowed 102.3 points per game in the playoffs, but Game 4 pushed them out of their comfort zone. Their rotations were solid early, yet the Wolves found more space as the game progressed. The Spurs also gave up too many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nba.com\/game\/0042500233\/box-score?type=misc\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">second\u2011chance points<\/a> (30), an area where Wemby&#8217;s absence was most noticeable. They must tighten their interior coverage and avoid the breakdowns that cost them late.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>For San Antonio to regain control of the series, it needs a more stable defensive presence and cleaner offensive execution. Fox\u2019s pace sets the tone, but the Spurs need Vassell and Castle to maintain efficiency throughout the game. Wembanyama&#8217;s discipline will be crucial, as his presence changes everything on both ends. San Antonio also needs stronger rebounding and fewer empty possessions to keep Minnesota from dictating the tempo. If they return to their structured ball movement and defensive sharpness, they can swing momentum back in their favor.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Predictions<\/h3>\n<p><span>San Antonio \u201310.5 lines up with the way this matchup has shifted, especially after the emotional swing created by the Game 4 finish. The Spurs have controlled long stretches of this series, and returning home gives them a natural boost in pace and physicality. Their depth has consistently worn down Minnesota\u2019s rotation, and that advantage becomes more pronounced when the game speeds up. With the series tied and the pressure rising, San Antonio is positioned to dictate the tempo and create separation earlier than they have in previous games. The number reflects their ability to sustain runs, and the matchup supports it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>The Under 218.5 also fits because both teams tend to settle into slower stretches when possessions tighten. Minnesota\u2019s offense has been inconsistent in road games, and their scoring often dips when they\u2019re forced into half\u2011court sets. San Antonio can score in bursts, but it can also play long defensive possessions that drain the shot clock and limit transition chances. The Wolves\u2019 reliance on contested jumpers adds volatility, and the Spurs\u2019 defensive length can shrink the floor. That combination naturally pulls totals downward, especially in a game with higher stakes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>This projects as a controlled, methodical matchup where San Antonio\u2019s depth and energy gradually tilt the game in their favor. Minnesota should compete early, but the pace is likely to slow as the Spurs settle into their defensive structure. The scoring should come in shorter windows, and both teams may lean on longer possessions as the game tightens. That blend supports both San Antonio \u201310.5 and the Under 218.5 as the strongest pairing for Game 5.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Final Predictions: San Antonio -10.5 &amp; Under 218.5<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span>\u00a9 Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tuesday evening Western Conference playoff action, and we will see the Minnesota Timberwolves take on the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of their best-of-seven series. The Timberwolves took Game 4, 114-109, to tie the second round at two games apiece. Minnesota has taken four of the seven games between these teams this year. Which [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5785,"featured_media":195101,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1608,21,62,50437,3,34],"tags":[50432,2109,664,2806,2559,510,49264,4669],"class_list":["post-195071","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-basketball","category-timberwolves","category-nba","category-nba-predictions","category-news","category-spurs","tag-2026-nba-playoffs","tag-anthony-edwards","tag-deaaron-fox","tag-devin-vassell","tag-jaden-mcdaniels","tag-julius-randle","tag-stephon-castle","tag-victor-wembanyama"],"modified_by":"Quenton S Albertie","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/195071","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5785"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=195071"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/195071\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":195143,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/195071\/revisions\/195143"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/195101"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=195071"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=195071"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=195071"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}