For the third time in four years, the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves will meet in the NBA playoffs.
The No. 3 seed Nuggets will be looking for a bit of revenge on the No. 6 Timberwolves. Minnesota defeated Denver in a seven-game thriller during the 2024 Western Conference semifinals, spoiling a potential repeat for Nikola Jokic and Co.
The Nuggets are -350 series favorites, but this rivalry has typically been much more intense in recent years.
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Round 1 Odds
- Nuggets series moneyline: -350
- Timberwolves series moneyline: +275
- Over 5.5 games: -150
- Under 5.5 games +125
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Round 1 Prediction
Based on the current NBA odds, my Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Round 1 prediction is on Denver’s series spread (-1.5). I’m banking on the Nuggets winning this series in six games or fewer.
I understand that this series went seven games the last time these two teams faced off, but things are much different two years later. For one, Denver won’t start in a 0-2 hole after not taking Minnesota seriously, as it did in 2024.
More importantly, the Timberwolves have lost some of the magic from a roster built to defeat the Nuggets.
Mike Conley has been reduced to a bench role. Rudy Gobert’s defense rating is the worst mark of his career. Nickeil Alexander-Walker is now thriving with the Atlanta Hawks. Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels dealt with health issues toward the end of the regular season.
I’m not thrilled about the idea of fading a Wolves team coming off consecutive trips to the Western Conference finals, but this year’s Nuggets could be on a different level.
Jokic might somehow be better than he’s even been, as he became the first player in NBA history to lead the league in assists and rebounds per game. Jamal Murray earned his first All-Star nod, averaging a career-best 25.4 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.4 rebounds.
In addition, the Nuggets have added a ton of shooting around their talented duo. They lead the NBA with an effective field goal percentage of 54.7% and a 3-point field goal percentage of 39.6%.
All signs point to Denver as a legitimate threat to win the NBA championship, even if the path appears more difficult than that of any other contender. If the Nuggets want to put themselves in the best position for a deep run, they will keep this series from going the distance.
Best bet: Nuggets series spread (-1.5)
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Game 1 Odds
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