The Denver Nuggets host the Minnesota Timberwolves in a Western Conference matchup Tuesday night at Ball Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 10:00PM ET. The Nuggets are 47-28 and sit in third place, while the Timberwolves are 43-32 and just outside the top six, trying to avoid the play-in tournament. This is the fourth and final regular-season meeting between the teams.
Minnesota has won all three matchups against Denver this season, including a 115-95 blowout on March 12. The Timberwolves have also beaten the Nuggets five straight times dating back to last year’s playoffs. Denver is coming off two straight wins and looks to avoid a season sweep at home, where they hold a 25-12 record.
Timberwolves Preview – Physical Play, Strong Form
Minnesota enters this game after a 107-91 win over Detroit in a game that included a near-brawl. The Wolves showed intensity and toughness, traits they’ll need again against a Denver team trying to move up in the standings. Minnesota has won two straight and trails Golden State by half a game for the sixth seed.
Anthony Edwards continues to lead the way with 27.2 points per game. He’s been even better against Denver, averaging 30.7 points in three meetings this season. In Sunday’s win, he scored 25, while Julius Randle added 26 points and Rudy Gobert dominated the boards with 25 rebounds.
The Timberwolves have strong three-point numbers, shooting 38.0% as a team, fifth in the league. They rank 17th in scoring at 113.8 points per game and have one of the better road records in the West at 20-16. They’ve hit the team total over in 28 of their last 39 games and have covered the fourth quarter spread in 32 of their last 46.
Nuggets Preview – Time to Respond to a Rival
Denver has lost five straight to Minnesota and needs a strong effort to stop that streak. Coach Michael Malone said his team must treat this matchup with more urgency. The Nuggets have won two in a row and still have a chance to move higher in the playoff standings, but they can’t afford many more slip-ups.
Nikola Jokic leads Denver in all key stats with 29.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. He had 27 points and 14 rebounds in their last outing. Jamal Murray missed Friday’s game with a tight hamstring but practiced Monday and is listed as questionable. Michael Porter Jr. adds 18.2 points per game and has been a steady third option.
The Nuggets are averaging 116.7 points allowed per game, ranking 23rd in defense. Offensively, they shoot 46.6% and average 44.1 rebounds per game. Denver has hit the over in 45 of their last 73 games and has covered the third quarter spread in 30 of their last 46 home games.
Betting Prediction
Denver is a slight home favorite, but the Timberwolves have dominated the season series. Minnesota has won by margins of 3, 29, and 20 points and comes in with more urgency as they try to jump out of the play-in. Edwards has been tough for the Nuggets to contain, and Gobert gives Minnesota a rebounding edge.
The Nuggets are still dangerous at home and could get Murray back, but Minnesota’s physical defense and strong play on both ends make them a live underdog. A close game is likely, but the Timberwolves’ edge in recent matchups makes them the safer pick with the points. Predicted score: Timberwolves 112, Nuggets 108.
Pick: Timberwolves +4.5
Minnesota tops the Nuggets on Tuesday. Enjoy the game!
