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Spurs vs Timberwolves prediction: Picks, preview and Key matchups

Timberwolves’ home defence meets Spurs’ depth in a close contest likely decided late

By Aritra Chatterjee

Jan 11, 2026 20:25 IST

The San Antonio Spurs head to Minneapolis to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in a tightly contested NBA match-up. With both teams navigating demanding schedules and playoff positioning in mind, this game offers intrigue from both a basketball and betting perspective.

Game details

The clash will be played at the Target Centre, where Minnesota have been largely reliable this season. Both sides are on the second leg of a back-to-back, which places added emphasis on rotations, bench depth and late-game execution. Oddsmakers have installed the Timberwolves as narrow favourites, signalling expectations of a close finish rather than a blowout.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Home strength and star power

The Timberwolves continue to build around Anthony Edwards, whose scoring ability and athleticism set the tone offensively. His ability to attack the rim and score in isolation makes Minnesota dangerous, especially at home.

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Defensively, Rudy Gobert remains central to their identity. His rim protection and rebounding allow Minnesota to control the paint, while complementary scoring from the supporting cast helps keep defences honest. The Wolves are at their best when they dictate tempo and force opponents into half-court situations.

San Antonio Spurs: Depth and versatility

The Spurs will arrive with confidence, driven by a balanced roster rather than a single dominant scorer. Victor Wembanyama continues to be an important point, impacting the game on both ends with shot-blocking, spacing and secondary scoring.

San Antonio’s strength lies in its depth. Multiple players can contribute offensively, which becomes particularly valuable in back-to-back situations. Their ability to push pace, share the ball and exploit mismatches gives them a realistic chance to stay competitive throughout.

Key matchups to watch

The duel between Minnesota’s interior defence and San Antonio’s versatile frontcourt could decide the outcome. If the Spurs can pull Gobert away from the rim and convert from outside, they can open driving lanes. Conversely, if Minnesota dominates the paint and limits second-chance points, the home side gains a clear edge.

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In this match, we can expect a close, high-intensity contest. Minnesota’s home advantage and defensive structure give them a slight edge to win outright, but San Antonio’s depth makes them appealing against the spread.

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