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The Spurs roll into this matchup fresh off a 96-87 win over the Nets. Victor Wembanyama shined with 19 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, showing why he’s one of the league’s most exciting young talents. Now, the Timberwolves return to their home court for the final game of 2024, hosting San Antonio. After a Texas-heavy week, it’s the Spurs’ turn to face the freezing temperatures of Minneapolis.

Recent history between these two teams has been a tale of back-and-forth battles. In early November, San Antonio embarrassed the Wolves, taking full advantage of their second night in a back-to-back stretch. Wembanyama was everywhere, putting on a defensive clinic and swatting shots as if it were his personal highlight reel.

Later that month, Minnesota exacted some revenge with a convincing win on the Spurs’ court. Still, even in defeat, Wemby’s shot-blocking presence left the Timberwolves wary every time they entered the paint—even when he was off the floor.

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Meanwhile, the Timberwolves are riding a wave of dramatic finishes. Just this week, they pulled off a pair of thrilling wins. First, they survived a 28-point comeback attempt by Dallas on Christmas Day. Then, they shocked Houston by flipping a 16-point deficit in the final minutes to claim a nail-biting 113-112 victory. Julius Randle was instrumental, dropping 27 points along with eight rebounds and eight assists. Let us take a look at both teams’ injury reports and depth charts before their matchup on Sunday.

Can Minnesota stop Victor Wembanyama?

The Timberwolves will face the Spurs on Sunday without Luka Garza, who remains out with a left ankle sprain. This marks his fifth straight game on the sidelines. If you’re keeping track, his next shot at returning will be on Tuesday when Minnesota takes on the Thunder.

POSITIONSTARTER2nd3rd
PGMike ConleyDonte DiVincenzoRob Dillingham
SGAnthony EdwardsNickeil Alexander-WalkerDonte DiVincenzo
SFJaden McDanielsJosh MinottNickeil Alexander-Walker
PFJulius RandleNaz ReidJoe Ingles
CRudy GobertNaz ReidJulius Randle

Daishen Nix, also nursing an ankle sprain, won’t suit up either. He hasn’t hit the floor since December 6, so this update doesn’t come as a surprise. Honestly, his absence won’t really shake things up for the Timberwolves’ rotation.

What’s your perspective on:

Can the Timberwolves handle Wembanyama's defensive prowess, or will he dominate them again?

Have an interesting take?

With almost a fully healthy roster, the Timberwolves look good to take on the Spurs.

Will Victor Wembanyama deny the Wolves a win?

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The Spurs have no injuries reported! San Antonio seems to be resistant to the injury bug going around in the NBA. They also have Wembanyama. He might as well have been created in a video game with cheat settings. His towering 7’3” frame and an unreal 8-foot wingspan make him a one-man block party, swatting shots you wouldn’t think were even reachable.

The last time the Wolves faced him, it felt like they were playing against a force of nature. His defensive presence messed with their confidence, making them hesitate on drives and second-guessing every move.

POSITIONSTARTER2nd3rd
PGChris PaulTre JonesStephon Castle
SGDevin VassellStephon CastleJulian Champagnie
SFHarrison BarnesJulian ChampagnieDevin Vassell
PFJeremy SochanKeldon JohnsonHarrison Barnes
CVictor WembanyamaJeremy SochanCharles Bassey

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Wembanyama knows how to dominate on offense too, and the Wolves need to be ready. Let’s be real—if Rudy Gobert doesn’t bounce back tonight, the Wolves might be in for a world of trouble. You know that feeling when your team just can’t catch a break? Yeah, it could be one of those nights if Wemby starts cooking.

So who do you think will win? The Wolves or the Spurs?

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Debate

Can the Timberwolves handle Wembanyama's defensive prowess, or will he dominate them again?