Wembanyama, Gobert set to match wits as Spurs, Timberwolves meet in West semifinal matchup

The series

Minnesota went 2-1 against San Antonio this season, and Edwards was certainly among the biggest reasons why — he averaged 36.7 points in the three games on 58% shooting, 52% from 3-point range. The Spurs blocked only seven shots against the Timberwolves, by far the lowest total they had against any Western Conference opponent this season. Wembanyama appeared in only two of those three games, but that's still a sign of how Minnesota probably picked the right shot more often than not. “It’s going to be decisions that you make in the paint,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said. “It’s going to come down to them.”

Wemby vs. Gobert

The French centers have gone head-to-head eight times in the regular season, and both can claim bragging rights. Gobert's teams have gone 6-2 in those games. Wembanyama has scored 20 or more points in five of those meetings.

Oddsmakers say

The Spurs are huge favorites in the series — oddsmakers have them at minus-2000 to win, meaning a $100 wager at those odds would earn a bettor a whopping $5 in profit. The Timberwolves' odds going into the series are +950; that means a $100 wager would return $1,050.

2 vs. 6

This is the 19th time in this playoff format — in place since 1984 — where a No. 6 seed has met a No. 2 seed in the conference playoffs. There have been four upsets in such matchups: — 2024, Indiana defeated New York 4-3. — 1995, Houston defeated Phoenix 4-3. — 1989, Chicago defeated New York 4-2. — 1984, Phoenix defeated Utah 4-2.

Busy times in Minnesota

Starting Sunday, there could be either a Timberwolves game or a Minnesota Wild game in the Stanley Cup playoffs on 10 of the next 11 days (assuming those series don't end in sweeps). The Wild are playing the Colorado Avalanche in the West semifinals. The Minnesota teams play their home games in different buildings — the Wild play in St. Paul — but if both series go six games then the Timberwolves and Wild will both be home on May 15 for Game 6s. \\\_ AP NBA: