The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets are set to face off in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. With the virtue of being the higher-seeded team, Denver will host Game 1 on Saturday at Ball Arena.
The Timberwolves-Nuggets clash is set to tip off at 3:30 p.m. ET (12 p.m. PT). The live telecast will be available on Prime Video. Fans can watch the contest via livestream on NBA League Pass and Fubo TV (restrictions may apply).
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets Odds
Moneyline: Timberwolves (+220) vs Nuggets (-270)
Spread: Timberwolves +6.5 (-110) vs Nuggets -6.5 (-110)
Total (O/U): O231.5 (-112) vs U231.5 (-109)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed are based on available information at the time of publication.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets Preview and Prediction
The Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t quite finish the regular season the way they would have liked. Since the start of April, they went 3-4, showing some inconsistency down the stretch. Despite the losing record, they wrapped up the season with a 49-33 record, which was enough to secure the #6 seed and avoid the play-in tournament.
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets couldn’t have asked for a better finish. Over the final three weeks of the season, they were arguably the hottest team in the league, putting together an impressive 12-game winning streak. That surge helped them pull away from the LA Lakers and clinch the # 3 seed instead of falling to fourth.
Denver has also had the upper hand in this matchup all season. They took the first three games against Minnesota with an average winning margin of 9.3 points, with victories on Oct. 27, Nov. 15, and Dec. 25. Nikola Jokic led the way in those games, averaging 36.0 points, 15.6 rebounds, and 12.0 assists per game. His performance on Christmas Day stood out in particular, highlighted by a historic 56-point, 16-rebound and 15-assist triple-double.
The Timberwolves did manage to avoid a season sweep. On Mar. 1, they secured a 117-108 win backed by a combined 41 points from Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels.
Heading into this matchup, Denver looks like the stronger side. They have momentum, home-court advantage, and a track record of success against Minnesota. Sadly for the Wolves, there is also some concern around Edwards, who is dealing with a right knee issue. He is expected to play, but his status has still been monitored.
Prediction: Expect the Nuggets to win by 8 points.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets Injury Reports
Minnesota Timberwolves
- Anthony Edwards – Game time decision
Denver Nuggets
- Peyton Watson – Out
- Spencer Jones – Game time decision
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets Starting Lineups
Minnesota Timberwolves
PG: Donte DiVincenzo, SG: Anthony Edwards, SF: Jaden McDaniels, PF: Julius Randle, C: Rudy Gobert
Denver Nuggets
PG: Jamal Murray, SG: Christian Braun, SF: Cameron Johnson, PF: Aaron Gordon, C: Nikola Jokic
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