The well-rested San Antonio Spurs will clash with the wounded Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Game 1 is on Monday, May 4, 2026 (Philippine time).
This marks the first time in 25 years that the Spurs and Timberwolves meet in the postseason. Their last playoff encounter was in the first round of the 2001 playoffs. The two franchises have never faced each other in the West semifinals until this Monday at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Wembanyama Leads the Spurs
The recently named NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Victor Wembanyama, will spearhead the Spurs, who have rested well after eliminating the Portland Trail Blazers in just five games. Wembanyama, a towering 7-foot-4 big man with elite agility and guard-like skills, averages 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.1 blocks this season.
Timberwolves Without Edwards
For the Timberwolves, they enter the series fired up after pulling off an upset against the No. 3 seed Denver Nuggets, 4-2, in their first-round playoff series. Even without superstar Anthony Edwards and reliable player Donte DiVincenzo due to injuries, the Timberwolves were able to tame Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets.
According to reports, Minnesota is still not expecting the return of Edwards, who is suffering from a left knee bone bruise and hyperextension. With Edwards absent, the Timberwolves will rely on Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, Naz Reid, Terrence Shannon Jr. and Rudy Gobert. Minnesota will miss Edwards' average of 28.8 points, five rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.
Historical Context
When the Spurs and Timberwolves last met in the postseason two decades ago, the Spurs featured big men Tim Duncan and David Robinson, while the Timberwolves had Kevin Garnett. Wembanyama is also set to face his mentor and fellow French national team player Gobert in this best-of-seven series.
