Minnesota Timberwolves vs San Antonio Spurs Picks and Predictions for Saturday, October 31, 2026

Minnesota was unbeaten a few days ago. Now the Timberwolves head to San Antonio looking to avoid another defeat. Minnesota is 3-2, third in the Northwest Division, after Wednesday's 119-114 loss to Golden State. The Spurs have moved into third place in the Southwest at 3-2, beating Utah 117-111 in overtime for their third straight win. Minnesota will complete a back-to-back Saturday after facing the LA Clippers at home Friday. Frost Bank Center hosts the matchup at 8:00 pm ET on NBA League Pass. Browse our free NBA picks for Saturday's other games.

Minnesota Timberwolves Need More From Their Defense

Anthony Edwards scored 47 points in Cleveland on Monday, but Minnesota still lost 127-125 in overtime. That defeat came after three comfortable victories to begin the season. Miami managed 106 points against the Timberwolves, Orlando scored 93 and Toronto finished with 94. Then came Wednesday's meeting with Golden State, another frustrating result for Minnesota as the Warriors won 119-114. The Timberwolves haven't had trouble putting points on the board themselves. Keeping opponents from scoring has been a different story in the last two games.

Edwards won't be available against San Antonio, leaving Minnesota without a player averaging 33.3 points. There's a considerable gap between that number and the team's next leading scorer, Jaden McDaniels, at 15.8. Terrence Shannon Jr. is scoring 14.2, while LaMelo Ball brings 13.4 points and 6.6 assists. Jonathan Kuminga is another option with 13.2 points and two steals per game. Rudy Gobert does most of his work on the glass, collecting 12.2 rebounds. Minnesota is averaging 54 rebounds overall, a number the Timberwolves will want to maintain against Victor Wembanyama.

Injuries: Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo are out.

San Antonio Spurs Finding a Way to Win Close Games

For a while Wednesday, San Antonio looked headed for another defeat. Utah had an 11-point lead in the first half, and the Spurs couldn't make a basket on their final four attempts in regulation. Victor Wembanyama kept San Antonio in the game with 36 points and 14 rebounds, while Devin Vassell scored 17 of his 21 points after halftime. The Jazz struck first in overtime, but San Antonio took over defensively, forcing four turnovers during a 12-0 run to win 117-111. It was the Spurs' third straight victory after wins over Dallas and Sacramento.

Wembanyama is averaging 25 points, 11.4 rebounds and 3.8 blocks, leading San Antonio in all three categories. De'Aaron Fox handles much of the playmaking, contributing seven assists and 1.8 steals per game, both team highs. The Spurs score 116.5 points per contest, give up 110 and collect 43.5 rebounds. Minnesota's rebounding numbers are considerably higher, so keeping Rudy Gobert off the offensive glass will be important. Wembanyama's work around the basket gives San Antonio a chance to limit those extra opportunities.

Injuries: Jayden Quaintance is out. Tobias Harris is questionable.

Key To The Game

The battle around the basket should be interesting. Minnesota averages 54 rebounds, compared with San Antonio's 43.5, and Gobert has been particularly active on the offensive glass. Wembanyama presents a different challenge with his scoring, rebounding and shot-blocking. Without Edwards, Minnesota needs Ball to create chances and McDaniels to finish them. San Antonio has several players capable of handling the ball, including Fox, Castle and Harper. The Spurs' passing could help them find openings against Minnesota's defense.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs San Antonio Spurs Game Pick

• San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio has been playing well, and its three consecutive victories provide plenty of encouragement. Wembanyama gives the Spurs a difficult matchup for Minnesota, even with Gobert protecting the paint. Fox and Castle also offer more scoring and passing options. Minnesota has a considerable rebounding advantage, but Edwards' absence leaves the Timberwolves without their leading scorer. McDaniels and Ball can keep the visitors competitive, although San Antonio has been getting more balanced production from its starters. I'm taking the Spurs to win at home.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs San Antonio Spurs Over/Under Pick

• Under

Minnesota has allowed 107.8 points per game, while San Antonio is giving up 110. Both teams have strong interior defenders, with Gobert controlling rebounds and Wembanyama averaging nearly four blocks. Edwards being out also reduces Minnesota's scoring options, despite the Timberwolves averaging 122 points overall. San Antonio has been productive offensively, but Minnesota held Orlando and Toronto below 100 points earlier this season. With both teams capable of defending the basket and limiting second chances, I expect a lower-scoring contest. Under is my pick.