Thunder's Playoff Path: Why They Should Hope for a Timberwolves Upset
The San Antonio Spurs dominated the Minnesota Timberwolves, winning 126-97 in Game 5 of their second-round series on Tuesday, taking a 3-2 lead. The upcoming Game 6 on Friday is crucial for the Timberwolves, who must win to stay in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder are keenly observing the matchup, eager to know their opponent for the Western Conference finals. The Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama, have emerged as favorites. Despite some early postseason struggles, Wembanyama showcased his talent, scoring 27 points, grabbing 17 rebounds, and blocking three shots in Game 5. His impressive postseason averages of 20.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 4.2 blocks highlight his impact on both ends of the court. Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards acknowledged, "...some of the stuff Wemby was doing, you don't really have an answer for it." Here are three reasons the Thunder favor a Timberwolves victory: Previous Success: The Thunder defeated the Timberwolves in the 2025 Western Conference finals. They are confident against a weakened Minnesota team. Injury Concerns: The Timberwolves are battling injuries, with Anthony Edwards and others not fully healthy. In contrast, the Spurs have no significant injury issues. Rest Advantage: The Thunder have played only eight postseason games, providing them with ample rest compared to the Timberwolves, who may face fatigue if they extend to a Game 7. If the Timberwolves win and face the Thunder, they will have played 13 games in the postseason, significantly more than the Thunder's eight, potentially impacting their performance in the finals. Conversely, if the Spurs win in Game 6, they will also have some rest before facing the Thunder, making them a tougher opponent. In summary, the Thunder's best hope for a favorable matchup lies with the Timberwolves overcoming the Spurs, as it offers them a chance to exploit Minnesota's injuries and fatigue.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-05-13