NBA Second-Round Series Preview: Nuggets vs. Timberwolves
Zack Cook
Host · Writer
The Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves are set to kick off the second round of the NBA postseason. Denver advanced to the second round after handling the Los Angeles Lakers in five games, while the Timberwolves swept the Phoenix Suns in four.
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Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Betting Odds
Series Odds: Denver Nuggets -205 | Minnesota Timberwolves +164
Series Spread: Denver Nuggets -1.5 (+104) | Minnesota Timberwolves +1.5 (-128)
The Timberwolves are playing like a team ready to make the leap as a real contender to win it all. Last season, the Nuggets kicked off their championship run with a series victory over Minnesota. The T-Wolves have revenge on the mind and are built like a team that can realistically give Denver trouble. The Nuggets didn’t have a banner performance in Round 1 against the Lakers, but they survived to tell the tale.
The Nuggets are listed at -205 to win the series against the Timberwolves, while Minnesota is priced at +164 to upset Denver. The Nuggets and Timberwolves battled down the stretch for home-court advantage in the postseason, which goes to Denver in this best-of-seven series. The Nuggs finished the regular season with the NBA’s second-best home record. Denver and the Timberwolves split four matchups during the regular season.
Players to Watch
Nikola Jokic | Michael Porter Jr. | Jamal Murray (DEN)
Although there’s more to the Nuggets than their big three, Jokic, Porter Jr., and Murray will lead the way for Denver if they hope to advance in Round 2. Murray is dealing with a calf injury and is questionable for Game 1. This is the same injury designation that Murray had heading into Game 5 against the Lakers, where he dropped 32 points, including a game-winning shot. Porter Jr. had a strong opening-round series against the Lakers. The Nuggets remain a tough out if he can stay hot with his shot. Even with Murray and Porter Jr. playing key roles for Denver, the Nuggets will only go as far as Jokic takes them.
Anthony Edwards | Karl-Anthony Towns | Rudy Gobert (MIN)
Edwards has emerged as a bonafide superstar in the NBA, while Towns and Gobert remain dangerous threats as two of the top big men in the league. The T-Wolves bullied Phoenix in Round 1 and will look to continue asserting themselves against Denver. Certain players are built for the big moment, and Edwards appears cut from that cloth. If Minnesota hopes to contain Jokic, they’ll need Gobert and Towns to limit the damage inside. Jokic is going to get his no matter how you defend him, but you have to limit his options and make others beat you.
Bookmark our NBA Injuries Page for the latest news on player injuries and return timeframes.
Best Bets
The Nuggets and Timberwolves are two of the best teams in the NBA, and this series has dog fight written all over it. While it’s not necessarily crystal clear which side will prevail, there are still different avenues from a betting standpoint that offer real value. The two gameplans that stick out are the Timberwolves to cover the series spread (+1.5, -128), and the Nuggets to win the set in seven games (+410). Denver has the experience and personnel to succeed in this matchup, but the T-Wolves have taught us they won’t go down without a fight. Expect a tight, hard-fought battle in Round 2 between these Western Conference foes.
Injury News
Jamal Murray (DEN) – Murray (calf) is questionable for Saturday’s Game 1 against the Timberwolves.
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