As the Minnesota Timberwolves look to seize control of their Western Conference semifinal matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, all eyes have been on the status of Victor Wembanyama. After a Game 4 ejection left his Game 5 availability in question, Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards offered a surprising take on the prospect of facing the French phenom.
When asked about the possibility of Wembanyama being sidelined, Edwards admitted he might actually prefer seeing the big man on the court. “Honestly, I think it was kind of harder [without him]. Of course, they’re a really great team with him on the floor, but they play a lot slower when he’s out there because everything revolves around him,” Edwards told reporters.
It is a bold perspective considering Wembanyama is the league’s premier rim protector, averaging a staggering 4.4 blocks per game this postseason. However, “Ant-Man” may have a point; the Spurs’ offensive identity is so tethered to Wembanyama’s gravity that their pace noticeably shifts when he anchors the unit.
These comments follow Edwards’ earlier remarks prior to Game 4, where he emphasized his focus on cracking the code of the Spurs’ defensive scheme and finding a definitive way to neutralize Wembanyama for the remainder of the series.
Victor Wembanyama of San Antonio Spurs.
Spurs clear Wembanyama for pivotal Game 5
Despite the uncertainty following his late-game exit in Game 4, a report has confirmed that Wembanyama will be available for Game 5. The star center was ejected in the previous contest following an altercation with Timberwolves‘ forward Naz Reid, sparking league-wide debate over a potential suspension that never materialized.
As both squads gear up for a pivotal tilt, Wembanyama continues to demonstrate a championship-level urgency. Now in his third NBA season, the young cornerstone appears singular in his focus: delivering a title to the San Antonio faithful.
Projected lineups for Game 5
With both Edwards and Wembanyama expected to lead their respective squads onto the floor, the supporting casts will be under the microscope. Both head coaches are facing a chess match as they look to adjust their rotations and find the tactical edge in a series that has become a defensive grind.
Here are the projected starting lineups for tonight’s Game 5:
- Spurs:
- PG De’Aaron Fox
- SG Dylan Harper
- SF Stephon Castle
- PF Keldon Johnson
- C Victor Wembanyama
- Timberwolves:
- PG Mike Conley
- SG Anthony Edwards
- SF Jaden McDaniels
- PF Julius Randle
- C Rudy Gobert
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