Mid-Week Matchup: San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

Bench

Both teams should have solid benches this season.

The Timberwolves bring out Jamal Crawford, Shabazz Muhammad, Gorgui Dieng, and Tyus Jones with the intent of outscoring the other team. The Spurs, on the other hand, have a group of veterans who can both score and play defense; guys like Rudy Gay, Manu Ginobili, and Kyle Anderson will be among the first off the pine.

The most important piece to San Antonio’s bench, however, is Patty Mills. The longtime Spur resigning was obviously a priority of the club’s offseason. And whether it be Tony Parker who starts or Dejounte Murray, they can rest easy knowing that their backup can get the job done.

Minnesota, on the other hand, is less certain about their backup floor general. While it seems as though Jones, the former Duke Blue Devil, has the inside track to back-up Jeff Teague, there is still the matter of veteran Aaron Brooks — Minnesota brought Brooks in to push Jones. Although with the type of mentality Jones has, that should do nothing but help his game improve. 

The one thing that could hinder Pop’s squad is big man depth. The only backups the Spurs have for Aldridge and Gasol are journeyman Joffrey Lauvergne and Rudy Gay, who normally plays the small forward spot. Playing against a Minnesota team who prefers to have two traditional big men on the floor at a time, that might pose a problem.

Even with the lack of bigs, my vote for better bench goes to San Antonio

Advantage: San Antonio