Victor Wembanyama is already carving his path to superstardom, bypassing the typical timeline. Rather than waiting until his mid-20s to crack the top five, the San Antonio Spurs center is dominating at just 22, leaving the Minnesota Timberwolves rattled.
The Spurs hold a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference second-round series heading into Sunday’s Game 4 in Minneapolis. Wembanyama has recorded 19 blocks in the series—including a playoff-record 12 in Game 1—and altered countless more shots.
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks aim to sweep their Eastern Conference second-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers. Philadelphia rallied from a 3-1 deficit to upset the Boston Celtics in the first round, but no NBA team has ever overcome a 3-0 series hole.
**San Antonio Spurs at Minnesota Timberwolves**
Wembanyama delivered a historic performance in San Antonio’s 115-108 Game 3 win, posting 39 points, 15 rebounds, and five blocks. He became just the fourth player in NBA history to record at least 35 points, 15 rebounds, and five blocks in a playoff game since blocks were tracked in 1973-74, joining Hall of Famers Shaquille O’Neal (three times), Hakeem Olajuwon (three times), and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (twice).
“It’s good to be along with the big fellas,” Wembanyama said. He’s listed at (27-plus points, -113), (13-plus rebounds, -112), and (five-plus blocks, +127) for Game 4.
Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, who played through a hyperextended left knee in the first two games, erupted for 32 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists on Friday. Minnesota needs big efforts from Edwards (26-plus points, -106) to stay alive, starting with Game 4.
The Timberwolves may lean heavily on Julius Randle (18-plus points, -111) and Jaden McDaniels (17-plus points, -108) after poor shooting in Game 3. McDaniels went 5-of-22 and Randle 3-of-12. While “Wembanyitis” isn’t official, it seemed to affect them.
Spurs minus 4.5-point spread, -115 (DraftKings)
**New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers**
The Knicks have won six straight playoff games after a 108-94 victory in Friday’s Game 3 in Philadelphia. A sweep would give New York ample rest before the conference finals, but the 76ers figure to battle.
New York seemed destined to win the series after a 39-point blowout in Game 1, but Philadelphia’s resilience against Boston suggests they’ll avoid a sweep at home. Jalen Brunson (28-plus points, -106) has been unstoppable, posting 35, 26, and 33 points in the series. OG Anunoby (hamstring) missed Game 3 and is questionable for Sunday, but if he plays, his 61.9% shooting and averages of 21.4 points and 7.5 rebounds in eight postseason games would be a problem for Philadelphia.
Sixers star Joel Embiid (26-plus points, -122) has performed well after a late start due to appendectomy, and Tyrese Maxey (25-plus points, -117) is expected to go all out. Expect Philadelphia to keep their season alive with a win.
76ers plus 1.5-point spread, -110 (DraftKings)
