The 2026 NBA Playoffs first-round series continues on Saturday with a pivotal Game 4 matchup. Thanks to a 113-96 victory on Thursday, the Minnesota Timberwolves have a chance to take a 3-1 lead in the series, while the Denver Nuggets will be fighting to head into Game 5 tied.
Based on the first three games of this series, it could be another physical, highly intense game that has decided each matchup so far. The tipoff is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET and will be available to watch on ABC/fubo.
Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves Odds
Moneyline: Nuggets (-125) vs Timberwolves (+105)
Spread: Nuggets -1.5 (-110) vs Timberwolves +1.5 (-110)
Total (O/U): Nuggets o229.5 (-110) vs Timberwolves u229.5 (-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.
Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves Preview
The journey is far from over for the Denver Nuggets, but for the first time this season, they are in a tough spot. While the first two games were more or less back and forth, Game 3 was one-sided, as the Timberwolves dominated from the tipoff.
Nikola Jokic was erratic throughout the game. He finished with 27 points but went 7-of-26 from the field, including 2-of-10 from beyond the arc. Jamal Murray also struggled, going 5-of-17 from the field, including 0-of-5 from the three-point line. Christian Braun also had a career-worst two-point outing in 24 minutes.
The Timberwolves were led by Ayo Dosunmu’s 33 points, while Anthony Edwards had 17 points, and Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo combined for 30 points.Rudy Gobert, who had a double-double, will need to find a way to slow down Jokic once again. If the Timberwolves can keep the three-time MVP off his game like they did in Game 3, it should give them a decent chance of claiming victory.
Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Reports
Denver Nuggets Injury Report
For the Nuggets, the biggest question mark heading into this game is Aaron Gordon’s health. The veteran forward did not play in Game 3 due to a hamstring strain. He’s expected to be a game-time decision for the crucial Game 4. Meanwhile, Peyton Watson is ruled out with a hamstring strain.
Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Report
As for the Timberwolves, they enter Game 4 with a clean bill of health and a fully available rotation.
Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves Starting Lineups
Nuggets
PG: Jamal Murray | SG: Christian Braun | SF: Cameron Johnson | PF: Aaron Gordon* | C: Nikola Jokic
Timberwolves
PG: Donte DiVincenzo | SG: Anthony Edwards | SF: Jaden McDaniels | PF: Julius Randle | C: Rudy Gobert
Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction
After a comfortable Game 3 win, the Timberwolves should expect the Nuggets to be more physical. One would think that gives Minnesota the advantage in Game 4, especially with Jaden McDaniels entering villain territory after his “bad defenders” jab, which could have sparked something in the Nuggets’ players. But they still need to solve the Timberwolves’ defensive puzzle.
Oddsmakers list the Nuggets as 1.5-point favorites to tie the series and retain home-court advantage. Apart from Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, they need more help from their role players. Denver should be able to cover the spread in a game where the total goes past 229.5 points.
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