The 2026 NBA playoffs first-round series continues on Monday with a highly anticipated Game 2. After a 116-105 victory in Game 1, the Denver Nuggets will be looking to extend their series lead to 2-0, while the Minnesota Timberwolves will have their eyes on leaving Ball Arena with a split.
With the win, the Nuggets tied their all-time playoff record against the Timberwolves at 9-9. However, Minnesota still leads the overall playoff series 2-1, with their last win coming in a seven-game series in the 2024 NBA Western Conference Semifinals.
If Game 1 was any indication, there should be plenty of firepower, physicality and drama when the teams hit the floor for Game 2. Tipoff is slated for 10:30 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock).
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets Odds
Moneyline: Timberwolves (+210) vs Nuggets(-258)
Spread: Timberwolves +6.5 (-110) vs Nuggets -6.5 (-110)
Total (O/U): Timberwolves o231.5 (-110) vs Nuggets u231.5 (-110)
Editor’s note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets Preview
Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray were dominant in Game 1 on both ends of the court. Jokic recorded a triple-double with 25 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists, while Murray led all scorers with 30 points, along with five rebounds and seven assists. Murray also went a postseason-high 16 for 16 from the free-throw line, setting the tone for the game. If both can replicate that performance, Denver should have no trouble taking a 2-0 series lead.
As for the Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards had a solid first game of the series despite dealing with knee issues. The 24-year-old finished with 22 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, but struggled from 3-point range, making just 2 of 9 attempts. Rudy Gobert had 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle combined for 32 points, 15 rebounds and five assists. They all need stronger play to ensure the series heads back to Denver tied.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets Injury Reports
Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Report
Anthony Edwards continues to appear on the injury report with a knee injury. He is listed as questionable for Game 2.
Denver Nuggets Injury Report
As for the Denver Nuggets, Peyton Watson remains out with a hamstring strain. This will be his sixth straight game absence since April 2.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets Starting Lineups
Timberwolves
PG: Donte DiVincenzo | SG: Anthony Edwards | SF: Jaden McDaniels | PF: Julius Randle | C: Rudy Gobert
Nuggets
PG: Jamal Murray | SG: Christian Braun | SF: Cameron Johnson | PF: Aaron Gordon | C: Nikola Jokic
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets Prediction
It’s going to be a tight series, but we can expect a much better effort from the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight than what they showed in Game 1. However, the Denver Nuggets’ depth and the double trouble of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, along with home-court advantage, should give them a slight boost. The Nuggets likely to cover the spread, with the total points staying slightly under 246, sending the Ball Arena crowd home happy for the second consecutive game.
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