San Antonio is 3-2 and sixth in the Western Conference after rallying from 11 down to beat Utah 117-111 in overtime. Minnesota arrives Saturday without Anthony Edwards or Donte DiVincenzo and has lost two straight.
What should Spurs fans take from the overtime win in Utah?
The finish was earned on defense. The Jazz led by as many as 11, and an 8-0 Utah run put San Antonio down 108-105 in overtime. The Spurs answered with 12 straight points, including a Fox steal that became a running dunk. Wembanyama finished with 36 points, 14 rebounds, three steals and zero turnovers in 39 minutes. The shooting was poor: 11 of 36 from three.
How much does Minnesota lose without Anthony Edwards?
A great deal. Edwards has averaged 33.3 points in four games, and his right knee keeps him out Saturday. Donte DiVincenzo is also out, his right Achilles the issue. Chris Finch still has Jaden McDaniels at 15.8 points, Rudy Gobert at 12.2 rebounds and LaMelo Ball at 6.6 assists. The Timberwolves are 3-2 but have dropped two in a row.
Is Wembanyama scoring differently this season?
The early signs say yes. Paul Garcia counted on his Substack that 54 percent of Wembanyama's paint points have come on lobs, up from 27 percent last season. The Athletic wrote that he is finding his groove. Against Utah he shot 14 of 25 from the field, and his dunk off a Vassell feed pushed the overtime lead to seven.
Will Tobias Harris be back against the Timberwolves?
That is not confirmed. Harris is still listed as out because of his left calf, and his estimated return date is Saturday, the day of the Minnesota game. His status changed several times in October before it settled on out. The Spurs have won three straight without him, so there is no reason to rush him back.
Does the bench need to give more?
Yes. In Utah the starters scored 98 points and the bench 16. Luke Kornet was minus-8 in 14 minutes. Keldon Johnson added nine points and six rebounds, and Julian Champagnie hit two threes in 32 minutes. Air Alamo argued that Kornet needs Harper back on the bench. With Utah again Monday and Dallas on ESPN Wednesday, the minutes will have to spread out.
When do the Spurs play the Timberwolves?
Saturday, October 31, in San Antonio. Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo are both listed out for Minnesota.
Is Tobias Harris playing against Minnesota?
His status is still out, with an estimated return date of October 31. He has not been confirmed for the game.
