The Denver Nuggets are facing off against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a crucial Game 6 of their first-round series on Thursday. The Nuggets will be looking to keep their season alive by tying the series at 3-3, while the shorthanded Timberwolves will have another chance to send the third seed packing on their home floor.
If the Nuggets hope to keep their playoff run alive, they will need their top players to be at their best in Game 6. This undoubtedly includes Nikola Jokic, who had a brain fade on the final possession the last time they played in a 119-114 loss at Target Center.
Denver is 7-12 in Game 6 scenarios, while Minnesota is 1-4. Their only win came in 2024 against the Nuggets, when they forced a Game 7 in the Western Conference semifinals.
The game tips off at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves Odds
Moneyline: Nuggets (-240) vs Timberwolves (+200)
Spread: Nuggets -5.5 (-114) vs Timberwolves +5.5 (-105)
Total (O/U): Nuggets o224.5 (-110) vs Timberwolves u224.5 (-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
Denver staved off elimination with a crucial 125-113 win at home in Game 5 on Monday. They came out aggressive from the start and led by as many as 20 points midway through the third quarter.
Nikola Jokic led the charge with a triple-double of 27 points, 16 assists, and 12 rebounds. Jamal Murray added 24 points, while Spencer Jones and Cameron Johnson also finished in double figures.
Minnesota was hampered by two key injuries to Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo, which affected their play. They still saw a balanced team effort, led by Julius Randle’s 27 points, while Ayo Dosunmu, Terrence Shannon Jr., Bones Hyland, and Naz Reid all scored in double figures.
The team will look to close out the series at home, as stranger things have happened in a Game 7, and they can’t afford to let the series head back to Denver.
Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Reports
Denver Nuggets Injury Report
Aaron Gordon, who missed Game 5 with a calf injury, appears set to return to the lineup. He is listed as questionable. Meanwhile, Peyton Watson continues to remain out with a hamstring strain.
Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Report
As for Minnesota, Anthony Edwards (knee/bone bruise) and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) remain out with injuries, while Bones Hyland is questionable with knee soreness.
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: Mike Conley | SG: Ayo Dosunmu | SF: Jaden McDaniels | PF: Julius Randle | C: Rudy Gobert
Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction
Many experts expect Denver to push the series to a Game 7 at Ball Arena. They are listed as 5.5-point favorites and have been stringing together some strong offensive momentum lately. However, Minnesota still has what it takes to close things out at home. It could be another tight game, but Denver is favored given its depth, talent, and wealth of experience.
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