Wembanyama, Gobert Set to Match Wits as Spurs, Timberwolves Meet in West Semifinal Matchup
The Spurs are heavy favorites, with oddsmakers setting them at minus-2000 after Minnesota reached the semifinals despite key injuries.
- The San Antonio Spurs host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday for the Western Conference semifinal opener, featuring French centers Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert vying for the Final Four.
- Gobert recognized Wembanyama's potential years ago, mentoring him since age 13; their connection gained public attention six years ago via a viral 2-on-2 video showcasing the younger player's emerging skills.
- Minnesota enters the series battling injuries, having lost Donte DiVincenzo for the season while Anthony Edwards remains sidelined; the Timberwolves went 2-1 against San Antonio in regular-season matchups.
- Oddsmakers favor San Antonio at minus-2000 to win, while Timberwolves coach Chris Finch emphasized "decisions that you make in the paint" and Spurs coach Mitch Johnson noted Minnesota's competitive drive.
- The winner advances to the Western Conference finals, though Minnesota faces scheduling pressure with potential Timberwolves and Minnesota Wild playoff games overlapping on 10 of the next 11 days.
38 Articles
38 Articles
Gobert, Wembanyama set to match wits as Spurs, Timberwolves meet in West semifinal matchup
Rudy Gobert recognized Victor Wembanyama's potential when he was just 13. Now, the basketball world sees it too. Gobert and Wembanyama, both French centers, face off in the NBA's Western Conference semifinals. Game 1 is Monday night in San Antonio.
Jackson Progress-Argus
Spurs aim to keep rolling as West semis start vs. banged-up Timberwolves
The San Antonio Spurs look to parlay their power, overall depth and momentum into a victory when they host the short-handed Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinal series.
Wembanyama, Gobert set to match wits as Spurs, Timberwolves meet in We
Rudy Gobert knew long before the rest of the world. Victor Wembanyama was only 13 when Gobert first heard of him. It didn’t take long for Gobert to see the enormous potential in his French countryman. When they would talk, Wembanyama asked the questions and Gobert gave him the answers. “And the rest is history,” Gobert said. The basketball world is now fully aware of what Gobert saw in Wembanyama years ago. A French center will be headed to the …
"He Asked Me for Advice on... My Water Filters": the Funny Discussions Between Wembonyama and Gobert
The Wolves' pivot, Rudy Gobert, shared an anecdote about "Wemby", which he will find in the semifinals of the West Conference.
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