NBA Basketball BETTING PREVIEW - San Antonio Spurs @ Minnesota Timberwolves

NBA Basketball

2026-05-08 - San Antonio Spurs at Minnesota Timberwolves

A Sports Betting Preview by FirstDown

San Antonio Spurs @ Minnesota Timberwolves
United States : NBA Basketball Playoffs Second Round Game 3
Friday 8th May 2026 - Scheduled 9:30pm EST
2:30am (British Time)

---

Preview

There will not have been too many surprised faces to see the San Antonio Spurs bounce back from a disappointing Game 1 loss in the manner they did in Game 2 of this Second Round Series.

However, the Minnesota Timberwolves will be pretty confident returning home knowing they earned a split from the opening two games and have taken home court away from the higher Seeded team.

They showed plenty of grit and character to come out of the First Round Series against the Denver Nuggets, despite injuries racking up, and Anthony Edwards will likely be grateful that he did not have to play extended minutes in Game 2. At the moment the Timberwolves are using Edwards from the bench as he continues to manage a knee injury that many felt would keep him out of action for two weeks instead of going through the rigours of Playoff Basketball, but Anthony Edwards continues to show he is a leader for the team.

It was his impact from the bench that helped the Timberwolves win Game 1 and they may be ready to make more use of Anthony Edwards in this one.

The Timberwolves will be aware that they won two of the three regular season meetings with the San Antonio Spurs and that they are unbeaten in seven at home against this rival.

Jaden McDaniels will be needed to steer clear of the foul trouble that limited his time on the court in Game 2, but there is a togetherness about this Minnesota Timberwolves team that continues to see them outperform expectations set for them.

At the same time you cannot ignore the fact that the San Antonio Spurs are favourites in the Series and they have been asked to lay plenty of points in this Game 3 on the road.

There was a nice balance to the way they played in Game 2 on both sides of the court and the Spurs will feel that the momentum is now behind them.

However, this is a Timberwolves team that have turned things around when factors are working against them in the First Round and an experienced group can give the Spurs as good as they get in Game 3.

Road favourites of at least 4.5 points have not had the most productive time covering in the Second Round of the NBA Playoffs in recent years, while those teams who have scored at least 127 points in a single game have covered in only 33% of the time they next go out on court.

Minnesota have won all three home Playoff Games this season and the record against the San Antonio Spurs will give them and the fans genuine belief they can pull the upset.

With key players likely feeling refreshed returning home at 1-1 in the Series, the Timberwolves may have another upset in them.

Prediction

Take the points with the home underdog as they look to shift the momentum in the Series again.

The Pick :

Minnesota Timberwolves 107-105 San Antonio Spurs

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

I'll back Minnesota Timberwolves + 5 Points at -115 with Bovada