Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Game 3 Prediction, Odds

Jeremy Perry | Updated Apr 20, 2023

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.

Denver
53-29
AT
April 21, 2023, 9:30 PM ET
Target Center
Minnesota
42-40
Pointspread -1.5 -110
Moneyline -125
Over / Under o +223

79%

Betting Action

21%

Pointspread +1.5 -110
Moneyline +104
Over / Under u +223

79%

Betting Action

21%

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?

NBA Predictions
SportsInteraction