NBA Picks & Predictions: Spurs vs. Timberwolves (Friday)
The final two spots in the conference finals of the NBA playoffs are up for grabs with two Game 6 matchups on Friday night. The Cavaliers look to secure their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2018, while the Spurs try to reach the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2017. Let's take a look at both matchups and dive into our top NBA picks for Spurs vs. Timberwolves.
Go premium to view top prop bets based on Cover Probability, Expected Value & Star Rating >>
Friday’s Best NBA Picks & Predictions: Spurs vs. Timberwolves
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
San Antonio Spurs at Minnesota Timberwolves
The Spurs are just one win away from sending the next generation of great Spurs teams to the Western Conference Finals. Victor Wembanyama and company have been fantastic in this series, especially on the defensive end, holding Minnesota to just 101 points per game (PPG) in the games Wembanyama has played in this series.
Unfortunately for Minnesota, he'll be in the lineup tonight. After a hot finish in Game 1 for the Timberwolves, they've yet to eclipse 40% shooting from the floor in games Wembanyama finishes. I don't foresee Friday night's game being any different.
Games 3 and 4 in Minnesota closed with the Spurs as -5.5 favorites in both contests. These games were split, but one included the game in which Wembanyama was ejected in the first half. For some reason, this spread is only 4.5 in San Antonio's favor.
There's plenty of reason for the Spurs to win this game and cover. Minnesota has shown little to no ability to score on this top-three-rated defense when they're at full strength.
Minnesota has needed poor three-point shooting performances from the Spurs to get their wins in this series. As a team that finished ranked in the top half of the league but improved significantly throughout the season, it's unlikely we see that happen again here.
San Antonio is the better team, and a shorthanded Timberwolves team fought valiantly to force this series to six games. However, the road stops here as the next generation of stars in San Antonio moves on to their first Western Conference Finals with a decisive win.
Pick: Spurs -4.5 (-118)