Spurs Face Timberwolves in Second Round After Minnesota’s Upset of Nuggets

Key facts

• Game 1 of the second round is May 4, 2026, at 8:30 PM CT.
• The Timberwolves finished sixth in the Western Conference during the regular season.
• Minnesota defeated the Denver Nuggets in the first round despite losing Donte DiVincenzo for the season.
• Anthony Edwards suffered a knee hyperextension and bone bruise in Game 3 of the first round.
• Edwards could return for Game 1, just nine days after the injury.
• Ayo Dosunmu scored a record-setting 43 points off the bench in Game 4 of the first round.
• Terrance Shannon Jr. added 24 points in Game 6 to help close out the Nuggets.
• Spurs center Carter Bryant is dealing with a foot sprain.

Lede: A Surprising Second-Round Matchup

The San Antonio Spurs open the second round of the playoffs on Monday night against an unexpected opponent: the Minnesota Timberwolves, who used their size and physicality to upset the Denver Nuggets in the first round. Game 1 tips off at 8:30 PM CT in San Antonio, with the Spurs looking to advance after sweeping the Portland Trail Blazers. The Timberwolves, who finished sixth in the Western Conference, have defied expectations by reaching this stage despite key injuries.

Timberwolves’ Gritty Path to the Second Round

Minnesota’s first-round victory over the top-seeded Nuggets was built on defense and depth. Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle bothered Denver center Nikola Jokic so effectively that he lost his composure multiple times. Jaden McDaniels delivered terrific performances, and a rotating cast of substitutes stepped up: Ayo Dosunmu set a record with 43 points off the bench in Game 4, and Terrance Shannon Jr. scored 24 in Game 6 to close the series. The Wolves survived despite losing guard Donte DiVincenzo for the rest of the season—he has already returned to the bench to cheer on his teammates.

Edwards’ Remarkable Recovery and Availability

Perhaps the most stunning development is the potential return of Anthony Edwards. The Timberwolves star suffered a scary-looking knee injury—a hyperextension and bone bruise—in the third quarter of Game 3 of the first round. What appeared to be a season-ending injury has healed remarkably quickly: Edwards could be back on the court as early as Game 1, just nine days after the incident. His availability would give Minnesota a significant boost against a Spurs team that lacks the same depth of talent and size.

Spurs’ Roster and Tactical Adjustments

San Antonio nominally has five players who can play center, but the team prefers to rely on Victor Wembanyama and Luke Kornet in crucial moments. Carter Bryant, who has played well in small-ball lineups, is dealing with a foot sprain, making it imperative that Wembanyama and Kornet stay out of foul trouble. The Spurs may look to hide a weak defender on Gobert, who is notably inefficient on offense, but they would prefer to avoid playing Mason Plumlee unless the game is already decided. Coach Mitch Johnson will need to adjust both offensive and defensive sets to counter Minnesota’s physicality.

Key Matchup: Wembanyama vs. Gobert

Victor Wembanyama could exploit Gobert’s lack of scoring ability by roaming more defensively, creating a zone of exclusion in the paint that forces the Timberwolves to rely on outside shooting. Minnesota is a strong three-point shooting team, so the Spurs’ perimeter defenders must close out quickly. On offense, San Antonio has been prolific from beyond the arc, with Julian Champagnie, Devin Vassell, and Wembanyama all hitting at least eight triples in recent games. The Spurs’ ability to stretch the floor will be critical against a Timberwolves defense anchored by Gobert.

Stakes and Outlook for Game 1

This series presents a much tougher test than the first round for San Antonio, as the Timberwolves boast a wealth of talent and size that the Trail Blazers lacked. The Spurs will need to contain Minnesota’s physicality while maintaining their own offensive rhythm. With Edwards potentially back and the Timberwolves riding momentum from their upset, Game 1 sets the tone for what promises to be a hard-fought second-round battle. The outcome may hinge on whether San Antonio’s perimeter defense can hold up and whether Wembanyama can neutralize Gobert’s defensive presence.

The bottom line

• The Spurs face the Timberwolves in Game 1 of the second round on May 4, 2026.
• Minnesota upset the top-seeded Nuggets in the first round, fueled by defense and bench contributions.
• Anthony Edwards could return from a knee injury just nine days after hyperextending his knee.
• Spurs center Carter Bryant is dealing with a foot sprain, putting pressure on Wembanyama and Kornet.
• San Antonio’s three-point shooting, led by Champagnie, Vassell, and Wembanyama, will be a key factor.
• The Timberwolves’ size and physicality pose a significant challenge for the Spurs.