The San Antonio Spurs are riding an emotional rollercoaster as they prepare for a high-stakes Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. After a chaotic Game 4 that saw a superstar ejection and a late-game injury, the Spurs have received one major boost—and one massive cause for concern.
Wemby Cleared for Takeoff
The biggest question mark following Sunday’s loss has been answered: Victor Wembanyama will not be suspended. The league reviewed the second-quarter incident where Wembanyama’s elbow caught Naz Reid in the chin, resulting in a Flagrant 2 and the first ejection of the phenom’s career.
While critics like Stephen A. Smith labeled the act “intentional,” the NBA has deemed the ejection sufficient punishment. Wembanyama, who finished with a career-low four points in just 12 minutes, is expected to be a “menace” in Game 5 as he looks to redeem himself in front of the San Antonio faithful.
The De’Aaron Fox Injury Watch
While the Spurs kept their superstar center, they may have lost their star guard. De’Aaron Fox is officially listed as questionable for Tuesday’s clash due to right ankle soreness.
The injury occurred late in the third quarter of Game 4 when Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu landed on Fox’s ankle during a scramble for a loose ball. Though Fox finished the game with 24 points, he admitted to suffering a “high right ankle injury” and was seen limping after the team’s flight home.
If Fox Can’t Go:
- The Rookie Step-Up: Expect rookie sensation Dylan Harper to slide into the starting backcourt alongside Stephon Castle. Harper tied Fox for a team-high 24 points in Game 4 and has been averaging 13.8 points this postseason.
- The Scoring Gap: Fox is the Spurs’ second-leading postseason scorer (19.7 PPG). Without his elite speed and playmaking, the pressure on Wembanyama to carry the offensive load triples.
The Rest of the NBA: Sweeps and Luck
While the Spurs fight for survival, the rest of the league is shifting gears:
- Thunder Domination: The Oklahoma City Thunder completed a sweep of the LA Lakers, becoming the first defending champions since 2017 to sweep their first two playoff rounds. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put the finishing touches on LeBron James’ season (and potentially his Lakers career) with a 35-point masterclass.
- Wizards Win Big: In a closed-door “nerdy soap opera,” the Washington Wizards secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft lottery. The Utah Jazz also struck gold, jumping to No. 2, while the Chicago Bulls vaulted into the top four.
- Knicks Excellence: The New York Knicks completed their sweep of the 76ers, tying a playoff record with 25 three-pointers in their Game 4 blowout.
Game 5 Prediction: Home Court Heroics?
With the series tied 2-2, the momentum is currently with Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves. However, a “free” Wembanyama playing with a chip on his shoulder is a dangerous prospect. The Spurs’ season may very well hinge on the health of De’Aaron Fox’s right ankle and whether Dylan Harper can continue his “Manu-esque” rise under the bright lights of the Frost Bank Center.
