Inside the Second-Round Secrets: Which Underdog Will Shock the NBA Playoffs Next?

Timberwolves’ Path To Success: First things first, the Timberwolves need to get Anthony Edwards back in the lineup, which seems to be coming sooner than we initially expected. If that happens in a timely fashion, Minnesota (currently with a 22.6% chance of advancing) may have a better shot of ending the Spurs’ season than we think. In the regular season, the T-wolves had the fourth-best net rating against the Spurs and won two of their three matchups. The reason for this is their rare combination of size and shooting, which enables them to match Wembanyama’s massive frame while also keeping him out of the lane. Naz Reid is the X-factor here. In the three meetings, he averaged a +23 plus-minus, his best mark against a Western Conference team this season. His ability to space the floor at the 5-spot (a career 37.1% 3-point shooter) allows Minnesota to field lineups that are a counter to San Antonio’s strengths. Reid struggled in the Timberwolves’ first-round series against the Denver Nuggets (10.8 PPG on 52.4% true shooting). He has to recapture his regular-season splendor (13.6 PPG on 56.5% TS) for Minnesota to vanquish San Antonio in the second round.



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