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The No. 6-seeded Timberwolves tangle with the No. 3-seeded Nuggets in this first-round matchup, marking the third meeting the last four postseasons between the two perennial Western Conference contenders. Denver authored 4-1 and 4-3 victories in the first and second rounds in the two most recent playoff clashes, leaving Minnesota in search of atonement beginning with Saturday’s Game 1.
Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Series Betting Analysis
The Timberwolves were the final entrant into the non-Play-In level in the Western Conference, as their 49-33 record netted the No. 6 seed. Minnesota was at its best at home with a 26-15 mark, and the Timberwolves managed to put together another successful season despite an absence of any major offseason signings. Chris Finch’s crew did benefit from a career-best scoring season from Jaden McDaniels, who poured in 14.8 points with the help of a career-high 41.2% success rate from behind the arc. Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle continued to spearhead Minnesota’s attack most nights, while Rudy Gobert remained a force down low as a rim protector and on the glass.
Denver’s season also had a déjà-vu quality to it, as it was the usual suspects leading the Nuggets’ charge on the way to a 54-28 mark. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokić were once again far and away Denver’s most critical assets, although versatile big man Aaron Gordon and offseason addition Cameron Johnson offered important complementary contributions. Johnson couldn’t quite fully make up the production of the player he was traded for, Michael Porter Jr., but the former did appear to finally settle into the Nuggets’ system down the stretch. Tim Hardaway also proved to be a prudent veteran offseason addition, putting in stellar work as a sixth man (13.5 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.4 APG).
The two teams clashed on four occasions during the regular season, and much like the recent postseason meetings between them, it was the Nuggets who emerged with a lopsided series win. Denver prevailed in three of the four games, recording victories of 13, 11 and four points, the latter coming in a thrilling 142-138 overtime marathon on Christmas Night. Minnesota was able to avoid the clean sweep with a 117-108 road victory on March 1.
Murray and backcourt mate Christian Braun are notably listed as questionable for Game 1 with shoulder and ankle injuries, but neither seems to be in danger of opening the series on the sidelines. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves arrive with what is essentially a clean bill of health.
The Timberwolves were 10-13 ATS as an underdog this season, while the Nuggets held a 27-32 mark against the number as a favorite.
Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Series Prediction, Pick & Best Bet
The Nuggets winning the series over the Timberwolves in six games is the best bet.
Best Bet: Denver -1.5 (-135)
Series Prediction: DEN 4-2 (+450)
Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Series Schedule
- Sat., Apr. 18 – Minnesota at Denver, Game 1 – 3:30 p.m./APVO
- Mon., Apr. 20 – Minnesota at Denver, Game 2 – 10:30 p.m./NBC, Peacock
- Thu., Apr. 23 – Denver at Minnesota, Game 3 – 9:30 p.m./APVO
- Sat., Apr. 25 – Denver at Minnesota, Game 4 – 8:30 p.m./ABC
- Mon. Apr. 27 – Minnesota at Denver, Game 5 if nec. – TBD
- Thu., Apr. 30 – Denver at Minnesota, Game 6 if nec. – TBD
- Sat., May 2 – Minnesota at Denver, Game 7 if nec. – TBD
Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Series Odds
Series Winner
Series Spread
- Nuggets +1.5 (-575)
- Nuggets -1.5 (-135)
- Nuggets +2.5 (-2000)
- Nuggets -2.5 (+140)
- Timberwolves +1.5 (+110)
- Timberwolves -1.5 (+400)
- Timberwolves +2.5 (-170)
- Timberwolves -2.5 (+1000)
Total Games
Series Score
- Nuggets 4-0 (+500)
- Nuggets 4-1 (+280)
- Nuggets 4-2 (+450)
- Nuggets 4-3 (+350)
- Timberwolves 4-0 (+3000)
- Timberwolves 4-1 (+1800)
- Timberwolves 4-2 (+750)
- Timberwolves 4-3 (+900)
Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Series Betting Resources
- NBA Playoff Odds
- NBA Finals Odds
- NBA Game Odds
- NBA Daily Betting Trends
- NBA First Basket Picks
- NBA Starting Lineups
Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Series Players to Watch
Minnesota Timberwolves
- Anthony Edwards: 28.8 ppg
- Julius Randle: 21.1 ppg; 6.7 rpg; 5.0 apg
- Jaden McDaniels: 14.8 ppg
Denver Nuggets
- Nikola Jokic: 27.7 ppg; 12.9 rpg; 10.7 apg
- Jamal Murray: 25.4 ppg; 7.1 apg
- Aaron Gordon: 16.2 ppg; 5.8 rpg
Photo Credit: AP/David Zalubowski
