Spurs and Timberwolves Set for First Playoff Meeting Since 2001

Key facts

• Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs face the Timberwolves in the second round of the 2026 playoffs.
• Minnesota, the sixth seed, eliminated the third-seeded Denver Nuggets in Game 6 despite missing Anthony Edwards and two other top-six scorers.
• The Timberwolves finished the regular season 49-33 and seek a third consecutive trip to the Western Conference Finals.
• San Antonio capped its first playoff series win in nine years on Tuesday, sweeping Portland.
• The series tips off Monday, May 4 at Frost Bank Center, with tipoff at 8:30 p.m. CT on NBC/Peacock.
• Game 2 is Wednesday, May 6 on ESPN; Game 3 Friday, May 8 on Prime Video; Game 4 Sunday, May 10 on NBC/Peacock.
• Games 5, 6, and 7 are scheduled but tipoff times and broadcast details are pending.

A Historic Playoff Rivalry Renewed

For the first time since 2001, the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves will meet in the NBA playoffs. The second-round matchup was confirmed Thursday night when the Timberwolves, despite a depleted roster, closed out the Denver Nuggets in Game 6. The Spurs, who swept the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round, have been idle since Tuesday. They will host Game 1 on Monday at Frost Bank Center, enjoying home-court advantage throughout the series. The Timberwolves, seeded sixth, finished the regular season with a 49-33 record. They are aiming for a third straight appearance in the Western Conference Finals.

Timberwolves Overcome Adversity to Advance

Minnesota entered Game 6 without their star guard Anthony Edwards and two other players from their top six scorers this season. The identity of those absent players has not been disclosed, but the team managed to defeat the third-seeded Nuggets on the road. “Every possession is survival,” Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson said, reflecting on the intensity of playoff basketball. The Timberwolves’ resilience in the face of injuries underscores the depth of their roster. San Antonio, meanwhile, wrapped up their first playoff series win in nine years with a resounding Game 5 victory over Portland. The Spurs have not advanced past the second round since 2017.

Series Schedule and Broadcast Information

The NBA has released the schedule for the best-of-seven series. Game 1 is Monday, May 4 at 8:30 p.m. CT, broadcast on NBC and Peacock. Game 2 follows Wednesday, May 6 at the same time on ESPN. Game 3 shifts to Minnesota on Friday, May 8 at 8:30 p.m. CT, airing on Prime Video. Game 4 is Sunday, May 10 at 6:30 p.m. CT on NBC/Peacock. If necessary, Game 5 would be Tuesday, May 12 in San Antonio, with time and broadcast details to be announced. Games 6 and 7 are also scheduled but not yet finalized.

Key Players and Stakes

Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs’ rookie sensation, will face a Timberwolves defense anchored by Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns. Minnesota’s ability to contain Wembanyama could determine the series. The Timberwolves have not beaten the Spurs in a playoff series since 2001, when they were led by Kevin Garnett. San Antonio, under coach Gregg Popovich, has historically dominated this matchup. For Minnesota, advancing would mark a third straight Western Conference Finals appearance, a feat achieved only by elite franchises. The Spurs, meanwhile, are seeking to re-establish themselves as a championship contender after a prolonged rebuild.

What Comes Next

The winner of this series will face either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. Both potential opponents present distinct challenges. The Spurs have home-court advantage throughout the second round, but the Timberwolves have proven they can win on the road. Minnesota’s depth will be tested if Edwards and other injured players remain sidelined. Tipoff for Game 1 is set for Monday evening. The series promises to be a clash of generations: Wembanyama’s rising stardom against Minnesota’s seasoned core.

The bottom line

• The Spurs and Timberwolves meet in the playoffs for the first time since 2001.
• Minnesota advanced despite missing Anthony Edwards and two other top-six scorers.
• San Antonio is well-rested after sweeping Portland in the first round.
• The series begins Monday, May 4 at Frost Bank Center.
• Victor Wembanyama will face a formidable Timberwolves defense.
• The winner advances to the Western Conference Finals.