2026 NBA Playoffs: Timberwolves vs. Spurs Game 5 Best Bets, Odds & Predictions (May 12)

A collective sigh came from deep in Texas yesterday when the NBA announced that Victor Wembanyama will be allowed to play in Game 5 of the series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Wembanyama avoided a one-game suspension or other disciplinary action after having been ejected before halftime of Sunday's Game 4. The Spurs lost that contest, knotting this series, which has many subplots.

Oddsmakers have predictably pounced on the news about Wemby, installing the Spurs as favorites in Game 5. The same team is marked as the favorite to win the Western Conference semifinals. FanDuel lists the Spurs as -460 to win their series against the Timberwolves.

Game 5 is Tuesday evening at San Antonio's Frost Bank Center. The game details:

• Timberwolves at Spurs, 8 p.m. ET, NBC and Peacock

Hoops fanatics can see the game on NBC via NBC Sports or stream it live on Peacock. It can be heard on either ESPN Radio or SiriusXM. This postseason, viewership has soared for the NBA playoff games. Interest in the league is peaking as teams inch closer to deciding who will win the championship trophy. Legacies can be cemented, depending on which stars and coaches find success.

If you're looking for other sports and NBA betting promotions, Ballislife Bets has put together a list of the best sports betting offers here.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs: Game 5 Odds & Injury Report

Odds in this section are courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.

Moneyline

• Minnesota +330
• San Antonio -420

The favorite is 2-2 on the moneyline in this series.

Spread

• Minnesota +10.5 (-115)
• San Antonio -10.5 (-105)

The favorite is 2-2 ATS in this playoff series.

Totals

• Over 218.5 Points: -112
• Under 218.5 Points: -108

The total has gone OVER in three of the four games played between Minnesota and San Antonio in this Western Conference semifinal series.

Injury Report: Timberwolves at Spurs

• San Antonio: D'Aaron Fox: Questionable (Ankle)

The big news for Game 5 isn't Wemby's status. Instead, the Spurs have been hit smack dab in the gut with an injury to D'Aaron Fox, who is reportedly ailing from right ankle soreness that he suffered in Game 4. This series, Fox has been a little engine of energy, averaging 16.8 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.5 rebounds against the Wolves, who have struggled with his explosive bursts on the court.

Despite the Fox injury, oddsmakers believe the Spurs will still win Game 5, and the lines reflect that.

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Best Bets: Timberwolves vs. Spurs

Game Prop: Spurs Lead Special

This is a three-game series now. It's as simple as that. The Spurs and Timberwolves have each won a game on the road. But Game 5 and a potential Game 7 would be in San Antonio, and it's an order taller than Victor Wembanyama to win a Game 7 on the road.

Minnesota has to win Game 5, or it will face the fact that it will have to win a Game 7 as the road team.

On Sunday in Game 4, Anthony Edwards was a lot like Ant-Man from Marvel Comics: he was heroic late in the action. With about six minutes left in Game 4, it seemed the Spurs would grab a 3-1 series lead. But Edwards willed his body to drive to the bucket, hit shots, and chase down Spurs ball-handlers.

Tonight, Edwards and the Timberwolves catch a break like the one they got when Wemby swung his elbow and was ejected in Game 4. San Antonio spark-plug D'Aaron Fox is unlikely to play, or if he does, it may not be many minutes.

San Antonio head coach Mitch Johnson will have options he trusts: Stephon Castle has experience spearheading the Spurs offense as a point guard. Then there's Dylan Harper, the 19-year-old who is averaging 15.3 points against the Timberwolves while shooting 50%. Harper really can't be classified as a rookie anymore—he's been battle-tested in the playoffs.

The energy from Harper and Castle (17.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 6.3 APG), combined with Wembanyama's presence, should fuel the Spurs in Game 5. I expect the home team will seize control of this game and the series.

Final Prediction: Timberwolves vs. Spurs

In each of their two victories in this series, the Spurs have led on the scoreboard at the conclusion of all four quarters. Which is why I'm sticking with that trend for them at home:

• Spurs To Lead At End of Every Quarter: +100 FanDuel

This is a special game prop bet. According to FanDuel, to win this wager, the "winner needs to lead the game at the end of every quarter. If neither team does, the winning bet is Any Other Result."

If the Spurs lead at the end of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters, your $100 wager will win $100.

Player Prop Pick: Wembanyama Blocks

In all three of his NBA seasons, Wembanyama has led the league in blocked shots. In Game 1 of this series, "The Eiffel Tower" blocked a record 12 shots.

I don't see another dozen "swats" coming from the tall Spurs superstar. But, following the embarrassment of being ejected from Game 4, I suspect Wembanyama will be motivated to pursue and repel opposing players. I wouldn't want to be a Minnesota player who expects a wide path to the rim. Wemby can emerge from a dozen feet away to take a step-and-a-half, lengthen one of his long arms, and impact a shot.

All I need are 5 blocks, something Wembanyama has managed to do 58 times in 189 career NBA games (31%).

• Victor Wembanyama To Record 5+ Blocks: +164  FanDuel

Game Pick: Spurs Roll

It's "The Revenge of Wemby" following his unceremonious dismissal from Game 4. I see the Spurs as outclassing the Timberwolves and easing to a wide-margin victory.

• Spurs -10.5 (-105 FanDuel)

Game prediction: Spurs 126, Timberwolves 105