Welcome to the Game Thread. Veterans of the Game Thread know how we do things around here, but for all you newbies we have a few rules. Our
community guidelines apply and basically say be cool, no personal attacks, don’t troll and don’t swear too much. The rule against trolling also applies to members of this site that visit other fan sites, especially sites of the opposing team. Be polite and don’t insult your hosts.After a contentious game on Mother’s Day, the Timberwolves bring their weird combination
of basketbrawl and acting class to San Antonio, as they attempt to do anything but play basketball to win a playoff series.* The strategy of bumping, grabbing, and pushing the Spurs star players paid a huge dividend on Sunday as Victor Wembanyama lost his temper and struck out and elbowed Naz Reid with his free arm while Jaden McDaniels was pulling on his other arm with both hands. Victor will need to do a better job of controlling his emotions tonight, while the referees will need to do a better job of controlling the game to keep things from once again spiraling out of control.
The Spurs played well in Wemby’s absence, maintaining a lead for most of the second half until Anthony Edwards took control in the fourth quarter by taking advantage of the Spurs lack of rim protection to score at will. The Spurs will need Wembanyama to be fresh late in the game today to contain Edwards, who is getting stronger by the game, and to take care of some of the other antics that Chris Finch likes to roll out to play mind games on the opponents. The Spurs need to get past all of that and play ball, and they should be fine, as they are the more talented team.
De’Aaron Fox is questionable with an ankle that was injured when Ayo Dosunmu dove at his legs when Fox grabbed a rebound in Sunday’s game, so the Silver and Black may have to rely on Harper and Castle tonight, which should be fine as long as they don’t get into foul trouble. Harper is also listed as questionable with knee soreness, but hopefully he will play as he’s been having a very productive series so far. Luke Kornet played his best game of the series on Sunday, and he’ll be needed again tonight to hold down the game when Wemby rests. Coach Mitch will be tested again tonight as he tries to keep his team from thrown off kilter by the Timberwolves’ shenanigans. Keldon Johnson has been bothered by Minnesota’s length, and he needs to hit some outside shots to open up his drives to the basket. This game is pretty much a must win game for the Spurs, because you don’t want to go back to the Target Center for an elimination game, unless it’s an elimination game for the Wolves. GO SPURS GO!
* Homer hyperbole—mostly.
Game Prediction:
Chris Finch is ejected from the game after he tries to throw an banana peel on the court in Stephon Castle’s path.
San Antonio Spurs vs Minnesota Timberwolves, Second Round, Game 5
May 12, 2026 | 7:00 PM CT
Streaming: Peacock
TV: NBC
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