Why is Joel Embiid not playing tonight? What to know about 76ers star's injuries
Joel Embiid will not play in Game 2 against the Knicks due to injuries.
The Timberwolves aim for a 2-0 lead against the Spurs in Game 2 of the NBA playoffs on May 6. Anthony Edwards contributed 18 points off the bench in Game 1, while Victor Wembanyama recorded 12 blocks despite the Spurs' loss.
Timberwolves vs. Spurs â NBA Playoffs â Game 2 predictions: Odds, stats, trends and best bets for May 6
After a surprising result in the series opener, Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves take the court tonight looking to take a 2-0 lead in their second round series against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.
Edwards (knee) came off the bench scoring 18 points in 25 minutes to spark Minnesota. Julius Randle led all scorers in the game with 21. Wembanyama had only 11 points, but he blocked a record 12 shots and pulled down 15 boards in a losing effort for the Spurs. Dylan Harper actually led San Antonio with 18 points.
Tonight carries a very different tone than did the opener. Minnesota set the terms in Game 1 with their physicality, defensive discipline, and ability to control the paint. San Antonio now has to adjust. The Spurs showed flashesâespecially when they were able to get out in transitionâbut their halfâcourt execution wasnât consistent enough to threaten a Timberwolves team that thrives on forcing tough shots.
To find that consistency on offense in the halfcourt, the Spurs will look to Wembanyama. Minnesota did an excellent job of making life difficult on offense for the NBAâs Defensive Player of the Year. They crowded Wembanyamaâs catches, disrupted entry passes, and dared San Antonioâs perimeter players to beat them. To shift the dynamic, the Spurs need cleaner spacing, quicker decisions, and more assertiveness from Devin Vassell and .
In Game 1, Julius Randle led with 21 points, while Wembanyama had 11 points and 12 blocks.
Anthony Edwards scored 18 points in 25 minutes off the bench during Game 1.
The Spurs need to improve their half-court execution and maintain consistency to compete against the Timberwolves' defense.
Winning Game 2 would give the Timberwolves a crucial 2-0 lead in the series, enhancing their chances of advancing further in the playoffs.
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Minnesota, meanwhile, enters Game 2 with confidence and a clear blueprint. Rudy Gobertâs presence in the paint allowed the Timberwolves to stay home on shooters, while Anthony Edwardsâ shot creation gave them a steady offensive anchor. What makes Minnesota truly dangerous, though, is how connected they are defensivelyârotations are sharp, communication is constant, and they rarely beat themselves. If they maintain that discipline, they will control the tempo and be in position to take Game 2.
Lets take a closer look at tonightâs matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.
Weâve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
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The latest odds as of Wednesday courtesy of DraftKings:
This game opened Spurs -10.5 with the Game Total set at 216.5.
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**Edwards is listed as questionable. The expectation is he will play, but will he move back into the starting rotation? Check your lineups later this afternoon for confirmation.
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