The Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, gave a complete performance in Game 2, tying the series ahead of the Nuggets’ two-game road trip to the Target Center.
The Nuggets grabbed a comfortable win in Game 1 with Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray leading the charge, combining for 55-points. The rest of the starters also scored in double digits to put the game out of reach.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves have leaned on their wing depth and Rudy Gobert’s lockdown defense to get ahead. Outside of that, Minnesota’s performance has come down to how well Randle and Edwards react to the Nuggets’ defense.
Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Game Details
Game 3 of the Timberwolves-Nuggets’ first-round NBA playoff series will tip off on Thursday at 10:30 p.m. EDT. Fans can catch the action live on Amazon Prime Video. The game will take place at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Odds
Moneyline: Timberwolves (+114) vs. Nuggets (-135)
Spread: Timberwolves (+2.5) vs. Nuggets (-2.5)
Total (O/U): Timberwolves (o233.5) -108 vs. Nuggets (u233.5) -112
Note: Odds are accurate at the time of writing but are subject to change closer to tipoff.
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Preview
The Timberwolves’ success in Game 3 will once again come down to Randle and Anthony Edwards. The duo was held to 38 points in Game 1, and the Nuggets got away with a win. In Game 2, they elevated their performance, combining for 54 points, which tied the series.
With the home crowd behind them and the momentum of their Game 2 win, the third and potentially the most important game for Minnesota seems to be theirs to lose. For Jokic and Co., winning will come down to the bench’s production and on how Jamal Murray adjusts after going 11-for 25 in Game 2.
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Injury Report
Nuggets
The Nuggets have one player on their injury report ahead of Thursday’s game. Aaron Gordon, who is dealing with a calf injury, is listed as probable.
Timberwolves
The Timberwolves also have one injury concern for Game 3. Star guard Anthony Edwards is listed as questionable due to right knee injury maintenance.
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Starting Lineups
Timberwolves
G: Donte DiVincenzo | G: Anthony Edwards | F: Jaden McDaniels | F: Julius Randle | C: Rudy Gobert
Nuggets
G: Jamal Murray | G: Christian Braun | F: Cameron Johnson | F: Aaron Gordon | C: Nikola Jokic
Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction
The Nuggets are slight favorites to win Game 3 against the Timberwolves. This is a must-win game for Denver as losing the first game of their road trip could easily see this series slip away from them. Expect Jokic and Co. to be at their best while they look to reestablish their lead in this series.
Our prediction: The Nuggets to win.
Read More: After Rudy Gobert Clamps Nikola Jokic, Chris Finch Passionately Calls Out DPOY Finalist Snub
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball and college baseball.
