SpursUniverse

The (#2) San Antonio Spurs are taking on (#6) Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the NBA playoffs. Both teams stack up very well on paper and are legitimate NBA title contenders. According to NBA.com, “The Spurs are third in the NBA in offensive rating at 116.6 and the Timberwolves are 6th at 112.8.” This will be critical going forward as the offensive rating will take a step back with Minnesota not having A. Edwards to start the second round. As far as defense, the Spurs ranked second in the NBA at 102.2 and the Wolves ranked seventh at 108.2. Net rating the Spurs are second and the Wolves are third and the bench for each team was ranked at the Spurs having the number one bench and the Wolves having the number nineteenth.

Keys to victory for the Spurs: 1. The Spurs must take advantage of Edwards not being there for the first two games. Look for the Spurs guards to funnel everything to Wemby early and often. San Antonio needs to start off 2-0 in order to get momentum early. 2. The Spurs bench will be key in the Spurs getting and keeping momentum. Sixth man of the year award winner K. Johnson will be a big factor in the Spurs starting the series up 2-0. 3. D. Fox will be the tipping point in advancing to the next round. He is one of the Spurs with the most playoff experience and San Antonio’s closer down the stretch of games!. Look for him to take advantage of his matchups in the fourth quarter if the Spurs are to advance to the Western finals! 4. Wemby gotta stay healthy and be the defensive anchor the Spurs need to sustain their winning ways! Wemby is the defensive player of the year and an out of this world talent. San Antonio needs him to protect the paint, as well as protect home court advantage! 5. Do not take the Timberwolves lightly. Having appropriate fear will help San Antonio keep the necessary intensity needed to get past the Wolves. Minnesota is playing like the We Believe Warriors and that can be dangerous if the wrong approach to the game is not met!

Prediction: Spurs in Seven as Minnesota gets healthy with Ant-man coming back and the Spurs win a tough series against a tough opponent in game 7 at home!