Line: Spurs by 8
Out: Manu (resting)
Simply put, the brute force that is Kawhi Leonard has owned young Andrew Wiggins this year. Whether that changes tonight could determine if the Wolves are in this one or not.
If there was ever a time for the Wolves to beat the Spurs, this is it: the Spurs went to overtime last night to beat the Pels, the Wolves are rested, and playing their best ball of the season, including defensively which has been key.
KEYS:
--The aforementioned Wiggs/Kawhi matchup.
--Limit turnovers, especially Rubio, Wiggs, and Towns. You have to value the ball against a great team like the Spurs. Last game against them we didn't and it probably cost us the win. Rubio especially cannot have one of his 6 turnover games he sprinkles in now and then. Same with Towns--he needs to make the simple effective pass out of the double.
--Continued contributions from the bench. Belly is on a roll, Tyus and Dunn are giving us something, Bazz can bring 20 at any time. 3 out of 4 of these guys playing good would bode well for us.
--Play harder than them: they are older and tired, win the 50/50 balls, dive on the floor, get physical, run when you can, get easy baskets, don't let up if you get a lead and see them tiring.
Prediction: I hate to say it but I'm sensing a bounce back to reality game for the Wolves, as the Spurs will find a way to exploit whatever mistakes we are making. Spurs by 10, but the Wolves will be competitive most of the game.
Unfortunately I cannot watch this one so here's hoping to being able to enjoy a stellar replay later tonight. A win would be HUGE, and make me a believer that we can catch the Nuggs. But there is no shame in a loss...it's the Spurs, they always find a way to win. I really hate them actually.
