The Western Conference semifinals begin tonight, Monday, May 4, with a high-profile matchup between the San Antonio Spurs and the Minnesota Timberwolves. San Antonio enters Game 1 as a 9.5-point favorite at BetMGM.
Series Momentum and Injury Updates
The Spurs arrive with significant rest after a dominant 4-1 “gentleman’s sweep” over the Portland Trail Blazers, winning every game in that series by double digits. While Victor Wembanyama missed one game in the opening round due to a concussion, he is expected to lead the Spurs as they make their first postseason appearance since 2019.
The Timberwolves advanced by eliminating the Denver Nuggets in six games, despite missing superstar Anthony Edwards during the final two matchups. In a major boost for Minnesota, Edwards is expected to return for tonight’s opener following a quick recovery from a knee injury. However, the Timberwolves remain shorthanded as Donte DiVincenzo is out for the playoffs (Achilles) and Ayo Dosunmu is questionable with calf soreness.
Key Matchups and Series Odds
The regular season series saw Minnesota win two out of three meetings, though Wembanyama sat out the first matchup. Despite Minnesota’s experience edge, oddsmakers have positioned San Antonio as a heavy favorite to advance to the Western Conference Finals.
| Sportsbook | Timberwolves Odds | Spurs Odds |
| BetMGM | +350 | -450 |
| FanDuel | +420 | -560 |
| DraftKings | +350 | -525 |
Tactically, the Timberwolves’ interior offense will be tested by the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama, whose rim protection forces opponents into difficult shots. Experts predict the Spurs may end the series in five games or fewer, with Wembanyama expected to dominate the glass in his battle against Rudy Gobert.
