Why is Timberwolves vs Spurs game delayed? Reason behind late game start explored

The San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves game at Target Center was supposed to tip off at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday. But that's not happening anymore.

"The start of tonight’s game between Minnesota and San Antonio will be delayed due to an issue with the game court," NBA Communications tweeted. "The court has been replaced and the game is now scheduled to tip at 8:10 p.m. CT [9:10 p.m. ET]."

The Timberwolves were slated to use the "City Edition" court at Target Center for this game. However, as Chris Hine of the Minnesota Star Tribune reported, the Spurs noticed something was off earlier in the day.

The court problems for this Spurs-Wolves game, the third of four meetings this season for these teams, drew some disgruntled reactions from fans on X:

"This is extremely convenient for those of us at the [Minnesota] Vikings game trying to go to both," one fan said.

"If it’s already been replaced, why the need to push back the game?" another wrote.

Who is favored to win this Timberwolves vs Spurs matchup?

According to the oddsmakers, the Timberwolves are favored to win this home stand against the visiting Spurs.

The Wolves are coming off back-to-back wins against the two other Texas teams. On Christmas Day, they staved off the Dallas Mavericks 105-99. Two days later, Anthony Edwards hit a clutch three to lead the Wolves past the Rockets 113-112.

On the other hand, the Spurs have lost two of their last three games. After consecutive losses to the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks, San Antonio got back on the winning track by overcoming the Brooklyn Nets 96-87 on Friday.

The Spurs and the Wolves have split their season series thus far. On Nov. 2, the Spurs won 113-103. Minnesota, meanwhile, got back at San Antonio on Dec. 15 with a 106-92 victory.