The Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves rivalry will heat up once again during the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs. Not only are they meeting for the third time in the past four years, but they also bring an exciting blend of power and physicality that should make this one of the most competitive matchups of the opening round.
The Nuggets finished the 2025-26 season with a 54-28 record, good for third best in the Western Conference. As for the Timberwolves, they wrapped up the campaign at 49-33 to finish sixth.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets Head-to-Head
The Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves have met only three times in the playoffs in their history. Denver was not a winning franchise until the Nikola Jokic era. Their first meeting came in the 2004 Western Conference opening round, when Minnesota ran away with a 4-1 series win.
Nineteen years later, the Nuggets returned the favor, defeating the Timberwolves 4-1 in the 2023 first round on their way to winning the franchise’s first championship. Minnesota got its revenge a year later in the 2024 Western Conference semifinals, eliminating Denver in a seven-game series.
Overall, in the playoffs, the Timberwolves hold a narrow 9-8 edge. While postseason history slightly favors Minnesota, regular-season results tell a different story. Denver has the upper hand, winning 92 of 153 meetings between the teams, including three of four matchups this season.
With familiarity and recent postseason history colliding, the upcoming series promises intensity from the tipoff. Both teams are competitive, but only one will advance, and with a potential clash against the San Antonio Spurs looming, the stakes could not be higher.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets: Key Questions
Timberwolves question mark
The Timberwolves have made back-to-back conference finals appearances over the past two seasons, losing both times in five games. It will be a colossal battle for Minnesota against the stacked Denver Nuggets, and if they advance to the second round, they will face either the San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns or Portland Trail Blazers. Minnesota’s toughest test, however, is getting past the first round. On the bright side, beating the Nuggets would be a major confidence boost. But an early exit would be a significant step backward for the franchise and could trigger roster changes.
Nuggets question mark
Do the Denver Nuggets have enough depth to make a playoff run? After the 2023 championship, the Nuggets made back-to-back conference semifinal appearances, losing both in a seven-game series. They need to maximize this Nikola Jokic window to get another shot at a championship. If they don’t win this year, next season could be even tougher with the emergence of Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets Prediction
The Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves took notably different paths this season. Denver went 35-20 before the All-Star break, then finished 18-8 to close out the season, including an 11-game winning streak. Meanwhile, Minnesota went 39-23 by Feb. 12 before going 15-11 the rest of the way.
As the Timberwolves proved in 2024, they are well-coached and can go toe-to-toe with any team behind Anthony Edwards. But whether they have enough depth to withstand the physicality imposed by Denver will be judged in this series.
The Nuggets clearly have the momentum advantage, and they have Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray to run the offense. Their supporting cast has also been strong, and as long as they stay healthy, Denver should be able to outlast Minnesota in a long, physically taxing series.
Regardless of who wins, this series feels destined to go seven games. That is where Denver’s home-court advantage could prove decisive. This year’s Nuggets are as dynamic and determined as any team in recent memory, and they should have enough to outlast the Timberwolves.
Prediction: Denver Nuggets in seven games
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets: Schedule and Where to Watch
The best-of-seven first-round series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets gets underway Saturday, April 18, at Ball Arena. The series then shifts to Target Center for Game 3.
Here’s the full schedule, including location, time and broadcast information:
GAME 1: Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets (Ball Arena)
- Date: Saturday, April 18
- Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Broadcast: Prime Video, fubo
GAME 2: Timberwolves at Nuggets (Ball Arena)
- Date: TBD
- Time: TBD
- Broadcast: TBD
GAME 3: Nuggets at Timberwolves (Target Center)
- Date: TBD
- Time: TBD
- Broadcast: TBD
GAME 4: Nuggets at Timberwolves (Target Center)
- Date: TBD
- Time: TBD
- Broadcast: TBD
GAME 5: Timberwolves at Nuggets (Ball Arena)*
- Date: TBD
- Time: TBD
- Broadcast: TBD
GAME 6: Nuggets at Timberwolves (Target Center)*
- Date: TBD
- Time: TBD
- Broadcast: TBD
GAME 7: Timberwolves at Nuggets (Ball Arena)*
- Date: TBD
- Time: TBD
- Broadcast: TBD
* if necessary
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