The San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves enter Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinal series tied 1-1, with the matchup shifting to Minneapolis on Friday night. After a dominant win in Game 2, the Spurs will now try to regain home-court advantage behind a fully healthy roster and another strong performance from Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle.
Ahead of tipoff, San Antonio confirmed its starting lineup for Game 3: Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, and Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs used the same group in Wednesday’s victory, where they controlled the game on both ends of the floor to even the series.
Minnesota enters the game dealing with multiple injury concerns, including Anthony Edwards and Ayo Dosunmu. Edwards was later upgraded to available despite continuing to manage a left knee bone bruise and hyperextension suffered earlier in the postseason.
San Antonio Spurs Keep Same Starting Five for Minnesota Timberwolves Game 3
GettySan Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama
San Antonio’s starting lineup reflects the group that helped deliver a strong Game 2 performance at home.
Castle continued his impressive postseason run by scoring 21 points along with four rebounds and four assists in Wednesday’s win. Wembanyama added 19 points and 15 rebounds while anchoring the Spurs defensively throughout the night.
Fox remains the lead ball-handler in the lineup alongside Castle, while Vassell and Champagnie provide perimeter spacing around Wembanyama.
The Spurs enter Game 3 without any players listed on the injury report, giving interim coach Mitch Johnson a fully available rotation against Minnesota.
San Antonio’s balanced production has become a major storyline during the postseason. The Spurs received strong bench contributions in Game 2 while continuing to rely heavily on Wembanyama’s versatility at both ends.
Wembanyama struggled from three-point range in Game 1, finishing 0-for-8 from beyond the arc, before improving slightly in Game 2 by making two of seven attempts.
His offensive role has sparked debate during the series because of how frequently he operates away from the basket.
One analysis surrounding the Spurs’ roster construction argued that Wembanyama “is never going to win a championship standing 25 feet from the basket” and suggested San Antonio eventually needs stronger interior support around its franchise centerpiece.
The article also pointed to Oklahoma City’s use of Isaiah Hartenstein alongside Chet Holmgren as an example of how another Western Conference contender protects a young star big man physically.
Still, Wembanyama continues to impact games across multiple areas even while adjusting offensively during the series.
Anthony Edwards Available as Minnesota Timberwolves Deal With Injuries
GettyMinnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards
Minnesota received positive news before Game 3 when Edwards was officially upgraded to available.
The Timberwolves star has remained on the injury report throughout much of the postseason because of a lingering left knee injury suffered during the previous round against Denver.
Despite the injury, Edwards has continued to play and helped Minnesota secure a Game 1 victory over San Antonio. Through the first two games of the series, Edwards is averaging 15 points, three rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 50 percent from the field.
The Timberwolves may still continue managing his workload carefully.
Ayo Dosunmu also entered Game 3 listed as questionable because of right heel soreness after leaving Game 2 early. Donte DiVincenzo remains out for the season because of a torn Achilles injury.
Minnesota struggled offensively in Wednesday’s loss, with Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle each scoring 12 points to lead the team.
The Timberwolves now return home looking to respond before the series potentially swings back toward San Antonio.
Meanwhile, the Spurs continue to lean on the chemistry developing within their young roster. De’Aaron Fox recently described Wembanyama as a major influence behind the team’s growing camaraderie, including organizing board games during road trips.
San Antonio’s strong chemistry has drawn comparisons to previous Spurs teams known for their close locker-room culture and disciplined style of play.
Game 3 tips off Friday night in Minneapolis with the series tied 1-1.
San Antonio Spurs Announce Starting Lineup for Game 3 Against Minnesota Timberwolves