Friday night’s must-watch games: Wolves chase history, Vegas faces elimination

The Minnesota Timberwolves are riding a rare home-court streak when they host the San Antonio Spurs Friday at 9:30 p. m. ET. They’ve won eleven straight at Target Center since early April, and a win would give them a 2-1 lead in their Western Conference semifinals series. The Spurs, however, are no joke on the road—they went 29-12 away from home in the regular season, second only to the Thunder. Their ability to erase deficits quickly was on full display in the first round, but Minnesota’s defense held Denver to under 35% shooting twice at home in that same round. Whoever brings the intensity will likely control this game. Sports betting models tip San Antonio as narrow favorites, but the Timberwolves have a loyal following for their gritty style. The projections say Minnesota has a slightly better shot to cover the points spread than to win outright, though the odds favor the Spurs. One bet worth a second look? Over 19. 5 combined rebounds and points for Rudy Gobert, their defensive anchor who rarely misses double digits in either category. The game’s total points sit just over 216, suggesting a fast pace—something both teams can fuel.Meanwhile, 1, 800 miles west, the Vegas Golden Knights face a must-win Game 3 against the Anaheim Ducks. Vegas won Game 1 at home, but the Ducks flipped the series with a road victory of their own. Anaheim’s speed and puck movement have been sharper, and playing at home again could push them ahead. The betting markets see it as nearly a toss-up, but models lean slightly toward the Ducks thanks to home ice and recent form. On the diamond, the Braves travel to Los Angeles for a clash with the Dodgers. Atlanta’s Chris Sale—despite a rough postseason record against L. A. —takes the mound against Emmet Sheehan. Sale’s struggles at Dodger Stadium (1-2, 6. 65 ERA) contrast with the Braves’ overall hot start (26-12). Still, the real draw isn’t just the result, but whether the game stays under or over the projected 8. 5 runs. The models say over.