While there was some chatter that the Denver Nuggets might be vulnerable in the first round of the playoffs, that doesn’t appear to be the case.
They’ve won each of the first two contests against Minnesota, beating them by double digits each time. Now the teams flip over to Minnesota for Game 3 of their first-round series. It’s about to be last call for Minnesota, but can they deliver?
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves NBA Playoff Betting Odds
The Nuggets are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games played on a Friday and are 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall. When it comes to their total, the under has hit in eight of their last nine games when coming off a win. It’s also hit in six of their last eight games played on the road.
Minnesota has lost seven out of their last nine games against the spread when playing at home. They are also just 1-6 ATS in their last seven games played at home against a team with a losing road record on the season. As for their total, the under is 4-1 in their last five games when going up against a team with a winning percentage over .600.
Denver Nuggets
Despite giving up a big game to Anthony Edwards, Denver outlasted the Timberwolves to take Game 2. They benefited from a very encouraging effort from Jamal Murray, who scored 40 points while collecting five assists, three rebounds, and two steals. The Nuggets have been waiting to see him explode and he finally did. This type of effort gives the team the belief they can win a championship. Nikola Jokic had 27 points for support.
One concern is that the Nuggets blew a 21-point lead late in the fourth quarter. They maybe took their foot off the gas a little bit but that was not a great sign. They finished the job and still covered the spread, so bettors will be happy, though.
This is also the first time in Nuggets history that they’ve jumped out to a 2-0 series lead under head coach Michael Malone. Given how the team finished the regular season, this is a good start to the playoffs.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves were still unable to pull out a win despite a phenomenal performance from Anthony Edwards. He made sure to avenge his poor showing in Game 1 and dropped 41 points. He hit 14 out of his 23 total shot attempts to go along with two rebounds, four assists, two steals, and three blocks with just one turnover. The issue is it still wasn’t enough.
Unfortunately, this team just couldn’t defend at a high level. Despite shooting 50.6 percent from the field, 45.2 percent from three-point range and 82.6 percent from the free throw line, they allowed better percentages to the Nuggets. Denver shot 54.1 percent from the floor and 45.5 percent from behind the arc. If Minnesota wants to win a game this series, they’ll need to clamp down defensively.
Game 3: Who Will Win Nuggets vs. Timberwolves?
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NUGGETS
112 -
TIMBERWOLVES
109
Score
Prediction
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 17 Apr 1:17pm | DEN | -10.5 -120 | O +160.5 -141 |
| Closing 22 Apr 1:02am | DEN | -1.5 -110 | O +223 -110 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Nuggets Team Leaders
| Points |
24.49 |
| Assists |
9.83 |
| Rebounds |
11.84 |
| FG% |
76.5 |
| Steals |
1.47 |
| Blocks |
0.75 |
| Points |
24.63 |
| Assists |
5 |
| Rebounds |
11.63 |
| FG% |
65.9 |
| Steals |
1.58 |
| Blocks |
1.36 |
| Points |
30 |
| Assists |
9.5 |
| Rebounds |
13.45 |
| FG% |
66.7 |
| Steals |
1.5 |
| Blocks |
1 |
| Points |
31.6 |
| Assists |
6.4 |
| Rebounds |
12.2 |
| FG% |
63 |
| Steals |
2 |
| Blocks |
2 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Timberwolves Team Leaders
| Points |
24.49 |
| Assists |
9.83 |
| Rebounds |
11.84 |
| FG% |
76.5 |
| Steals |
1.47 |
| Blocks |
0.75 |
| Points |
24.63 |
| Assists |
5 |
| Rebounds |
11.63 |
| FG% |
65.9 |
| Steals |
1.58 |
| Blocks |
1.36 |
| Points |
30 |
| Assists |
9.5 |
| Rebounds |
13.45 |
| FG% |
66.7 |
| Steals |
1.5 |
| Blocks |
1 |
| Points |
31.6 |
| Assists |
6.4 |
| Rebounds |
12.2 |
| FG% |
63 |
| Steals |
2 |
| Blocks |
2 |
Injuries
Jamal Murray (SG)
Jamal Murray (SG)
Jamal Murray (SG)
Aaron Gordon (PF)
Jeff Green (SF)
Jamal Murray (SG)
Michael Porter Jr. (PF)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG)
Reggie Jackson (PG)
Michael Porter Jr. (PF)
Jaylen Nowell (SG)
Kyle Anderson (SF)
Josh Minott (SF)
Jaylen Nowell (SG)
Josh Minott (SF)
Jaylen Nowell (SG)
Rudy Gobert (C)
Jaylen Nowell (SG)
Rudy Gobert (C)
Jaylen Nowell (SG)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamal Murray (SG) | Ques Fri | Hand - 08 / 06 / 23 | 2-1 | 1-2 | + - |
|
Murray is dealing with a left hand abrasion, and it is undetermined if he will be active for Game 4 of the NBA Finals versus the Heat. |
|||||
| Jamal Murray (SG) | Prob Tues | Illness - 15 / 05 / 23 | 6-3 | 3-6 | + - |
|
Murray is managing an illness, but it is expected that he will be available for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals versus the Lakers. |
|||||
| Jamal Murray (SG) | Prob Thurs | Illness - 11 / 05 / 23 | 7-3 | 3-7 | + - |
|
Murray is nursing an illness, but it is forecasted that he will be available for Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Suns. |
|||||
| Aaron Gordon (PF) | Prob Sun | Shoulder - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Gordon is dealing with right shoulder inflammation, but it is projected that he will be in the lineup for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Timberwolves. |
|||||
| Jeff Green (SF) | Prob Sun | Face - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Green is hampered by a facial contusion, but it is not expected to affect his status for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Timberwolves. |
|||||
| Jamal Murray (SG) | Prob Sun | Thumb - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Murray is tending to a right thumb sprain, but it is not expected to affect his availability against the Timberwolves for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round. |
|||||
| Michael Porter Jr. (PF) | Prob Sun | Heel - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Porter is managing a left heel injury, but it is anticipated that he will take to the court versus the Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference first round. |
|||||
| Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG) | Prob Sun | Illness - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Caldwell-Pope is ailing from a non-COVID illness, but it is expected that the symptoms will subside in time for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round against the Timberwolves. |
|||||
| Reggie Jackson (PG) | Prob Sun | Back - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Jackson is hampered by lower back pain, but it is not expected to impact his status against the Kings on Sunday. |
|||||
| Michael Porter Jr. (PF) | Prob Sat | Heel - 07 / 04 / 23 | 14-9 | 11-11-1 | + - |
|
Porter Jr. is hindered by a heel ailment, but he is expected to take the court against the Jazz on Saturday. |
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| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaylen Nowell (SG) | Prob Tues | Knee - 24 / 04 / 23 | 1-1 | 1-0-1 | + - |
|
Nowell is dealing with left knee tendinopathy, but it is not expected to impact his availability versus the Nuggets in Game 5 of the Western Conference first round. |
|||||
| Kyle Anderson (SF) | Out Tues | Eye - 24 / 04 / 23 | 1-1 | 1-0-1 | + - |
|
Anderson is nursing an eye injury, and he will not dress for Game 5 of the Western Conference first round against the Nuggets. |
|||||
| Josh Minott (SF) | Prob Sun | Ankle - 22 / 04 / 23 | 1-2 | 2-0-1 | + - |
|
Minott is hindered by a left ankle sprain, but it is expected that he will partake in Game 4 of the Western Conference first round versus the Nuggets. |
|||||
| Jaylen Nowell (SG) | Prob Sun | Knee - 22 / 04 / 23 | 1-2 | 2-0-1 | + - |
|
Nowell has tendinopathy in his left knee, but it is likely that he will lace up for Game 4 of the Western Conference first round versus the Nuggets. |
|||||
| Josh Minott (SF) | Ques Fri | Ankle - 21 / 04 / 23 | 1-2 | 2-0-1 | + - |
|
Minott is hindered by a left ankle sprain, and it is uncertain if he will partake in Game 3 of the Western Conference first round versus the Nuggets. |
|||||
| Jaylen Nowell (SG) | Prob Fri | Knee - 20 / 04 / 23 | 1-3 | 2-1-1 | + - |
|
Nowell has tendinopathy in his left knee, but it is not expected to affect his status for Game 3 of the Western Conference first round versus the Nuggets. |
|||||
| Rudy Gobert (C) | Prob Fri | Back - 20 / 04 / 23 | 1-3 | 2-1-1 | + - |
|
Gobert is dealing with back spams, but it is anticipated that he will face the Nuggets in Game 3 of the Western Conference first round. |
|||||
| Jaylen Nowell (SG) | Prob Wed | Knee - 18 / 04 / 23 | 1-3 | 2-1-1 | + - |
|
Nowell is tending to left knee tendinopathy, but it is anticipated that he will dress for Game 2 of the Western Conference first round against the Nuggets. |
|||||
| Rudy Gobert (C) | Prob Wed | Back - 18 / 04 / 23 | 1-3 | 2-1-1 | + - |
|
Gobert is dealing with back spams, but he is expected to face the Nuggets in Game 2 of the Western Conference first round. |
|||||
| Jaylen Nowell (SG) | Ques Sun | Knee - 15 / 04 / 23 | 1-3 | 2-1-1 | + - |
|
Nowell is tending to left knee tendinopathy, and it is unclear if he will be available for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Nuggets. |
|||||
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Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 17 Apr 1:17pm DEN -10.5 -120 O +160.5 -141 Closing 22 Apr 1:02am DEN -1.5 -110 O +223 -110 -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Nuggets Team Leaders
Points 24.49
Assists 9.83
Rebounds 11.84
FG% 76.5
Steals 1.47
Blocks 0.75
Points 24.63
Assists 5
Rebounds 11.63
FG% 65.9
Steals 1.58
Blocks 1.36
Points 30
Assists 9.5
Rebounds 13.45
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.5
Blocks 1
Points 31.6
Assists 6.4
Rebounds 12.2
FG% 63
Steals 2
Blocks 2
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Timberwolves Team Leaders
Points 24.49
Assists 9.83
Rebounds 11.84
FG% 76.5
Steals 1.47
Blocks 0.75
Points 24.63
Assists 5
Rebounds 11.63
FG% 65.9
Steals 1.58
Blocks 1.36
Points 30
Assists 9.5
Rebounds 13.45
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.5
Blocks 1
Points 31.6
Assists 6.4
Rebounds 12.2
FG% 63
Steals 2
Blocks 2
-
Injuries
Jamal Murray (SG)
Ques Fri Hand - 08 / 06 / 23Jamal Murray (SG)
Prob Tues Illness - 15 / 05 / 23Jamal Murray (SG)
Prob Thurs Illness - 11 / 05 / 23Aaron Gordon (PF)
Prob Sun Shoulder - 09 / 04 / 23Jeff Green (SF)
Prob Sun Face - 09 / 04 / 23Jamal Murray (SG)
Prob Sun Thumb - 09 / 04 / 23Michael Porter Jr. (PF)
Prob Sun Heel - 09 / 04 / 23Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG)
Prob Sun Illness - 09 / 04 / 23Reggie Jackson (PG)
Prob Sun Back - 09 / 04 / 23Michael Porter Jr. (PF)
Prob Sat Heel - 07 / 04 / 23Jaylen Nowell (SG)
Prob Tues Knee - 24 / 04 / 23Kyle Anderson (SF)
Out Tues Eye - 24 / 04 / 23Josh Minott (SF)
Prob Sun Ankle - 22 / 04 / 23Jaylen Nowell (SG)
Prob Sun Knee - 22 / 04 / 23Josh Minott (SF)
Ques Fri Ankle - 21 / 04 / 23Jaylen Nowell (SG)
Prob Fri Knee - 20 / 04 / 23Rudy Gobert (C)
Prob Fri Back - 20 / 04 / 23Jaylen Nowell (SG)
Prob Wed Knee - 18 / 04 / 23Rudy Gobert (C)
Prob Wed Back - 18 / 04 / 23Jaylen Nowell (SG)
Ques Sun Knee - 15 / 04 / 23Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Jamal Murray (SG) Ques Fri Hand - 08 / 06 / 23 2-1 1-2 + - Murray is dealing with a left hand abrasion, and it is undetermined if he will be active for Game 4 of the NBA Finals versus the Heat.
Jamal Murray (SG) Prob Tues Illness - 15 / 05 / 23 6-3 3-6 + - Murray is managing an illness, but it is expected that he will be available for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals versus the Lakers.
Jamal Murray (SG) Prob Thurs Illness - 11 / 05 / 23 7-3 3-7 + - Murray is nursing an illness, but it is forecasted that he will be available for Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Suns.
Aaron Gordon (PF) Prob Sun Shoulder - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Gordon is dealing with right shoulder inflammation, but it is projected that he will be in the lineup for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Timberwolves.
Jeff Green (SF) Prob Sun Face - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Green is hampered by a facial contusion, but it is not expected to affect his status for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Timberwolves.
Jamal Murray (SG) Prob Sun Thumb - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Murray is tending to a right thumb sprain, but it is not expected to affect his availability against the Timberwolves for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round.
Michael Porter Jr. (PF) Prob Sun Heel - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Porter is managing a left heel injury, but it is anticipated that he will take to the court versus the Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference first round.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG) Prob Sun Illness - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Caldwell-Pope is ailing from a non-COVID illness, but it is expected that the symptoms will subside in time for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round against the Timberwolves.
Reggie Jackson (PG) Prob Sun Back - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Jackson is hampered by lower back pain, but it is not expected to impact his status against the Kings on Sunday.
Michael Porter Jr. (PF) Prob Sat Heel - 07 / 04 / 23 14-9 11-11-1 + - Porter Jr. is hindered by a heel ailment, but he is expected to take the court against the Jazz on Saturday.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Jaylen Nowell (SG) Prob Tues Knee - 24 / 04 / 23 1-1 1-0-1 + - Nowell is dealing with left knee tendinopathy, but it is not expected to impact his availability versus the Nuggets in Game 5 of the Western Conference first round.
Kyle Anderson (SF) Out Tues Eye - 24 / 04 / 23 1-1 1-0-1 + - Anderson is nursing an eye injury, and he will not dress for Game 5 of the Western Conference first round against the Nuggets.
Josh Minott (SF) Prob Sun Ankle - 22 / 04 / 23 1-2 2-0-1 + - Minott is hindered by a left ankle sprain, but it is expected that he will partake in Game 4 of the Western Conference first round versus the Nuggets.
Jaylen Nowell (SG) Prob Sun Knee - 22 / 04 / 23 1-2 2-0-1 + - Nowell has tendinopathy in his left knee, but it is likely that he will lace up for Game 4 of the Western Conference first round versus the Nuggets.
Josh Minott (SF) Ques Fri Ankle - 21 / 04 / 23 1-2 2-0-1 + - Minott is hindered by a left ankle sprain, and it is uncertain if he will partake in Game 3 of the Western Conference first round versus the Nuggets.
Jaylen Nowell (SG) Prob Fri Knee - 20 / 04 / 23 1-3 2-1-1 + - Nowell has tendinopathy in his left knee, but it is not expected to affect his status for Game 3 of the Western Conference first round versus the Nuggets.
Rudy Gobert (C) Prob Fri Back - 20 / 04 / 23 1-3 2-1-1 + - Gobert is dealing with back spams, but it is anticipated that he will face the Nuggets in Game 3 of the Western Conference first round.
Jaylen Nowell (SG) Prob Wed Knee - 18 / 04 / 23 1-3 2-1-1 + - Nowell is tending to left knee tendinopathy, but it is anticipated that he will dress for Game 2 of the Western Conference first round against the Nuggets.
Rudy Gobert (C) Prob Wed Back - 18 / 04 / 23 1-3 2-1-1 + - Gobert is dealing with back spams, but he is expected to face the Nuggets in Game 2 of the Western Conference first round.
Jaylen Nowell (SG) Ques Sun Knee - 15 / 04 / 23 1-3 2-1-1 + - Nowell is tending to left knee tendinopathy, and it is unclear if he will be available for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Nuggets.