The Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets conclude the weekend's action of NBA playoff first-round action with their Game 1 in the Sunday night slot.
The Minnesota Timberwolves stumbled in their first play-in game with the Los Angeles Lakers but managed to get by the Oklahoma City Thunder to qualify for the playoffs. Now they’ve landed in a first-round playoff series with the No. 1 seeded Denver Nuggets. The two teams split their regular season series, each winning the two contests they hosted.
The Nuggets finished the year just 7-10 in their final 17 contests. Are they vulnerable in this series or at least Game 1? The NBA odds pin them as -7.5 for Game 1.
Timberwolves vs. Nuggets NBA Playoffs Betting Odds
The Timberwolves were reliable covering the spread as an underdog this season as they went 26-18. However, they were only 22-22 straight up in those games. On the plus side, they have covered 17 of their last 23 against winning teams.
Meanwhile, Denver was a healthy 29-16-2 ATS and 32-15 SU against teams with a winning record this season. Home-court advantage figures to be a huge factor as they were 34-7 at home this season while going 24-16 against the spread.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves won 46 games last season and had hopes for a 50-win campaign after acquiring Rudy Gobert in the offseason, but the on-court results never materialized. Instead of taking a step forward, the team took a step back and won just 42 games.
The bigger concern is recent chemistry issues. The front office essentially blew up the supporting cast at the trade deadline, trading away D’Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley, and Minnesota has continued to be a .500 team ever since. On top of that, there are some awkward locker room issues after Gobert punched Kyle Anderson on the court last week and earned himself a one-game suspension. Whether it’s coaching or personnel or something else, this roster never clicked and is still not performing to the level of their talent. It makes it tough to trust them in Game 1 and in this series.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets finished as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference but bettors can clearly see that the oddsmakers don’t think so highly of them. The Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors are lower seeds yet both have shorter odds to win it all compared to Denver.
The Nuggets have a few issues and it’s unclear how they get resolved. Of course, this is a very good team but the question is are they good enough? Nikola Jokic is a two-time MVP but he needs help. To run the gauntlet in the West, the team will need more out of Jamal Murray. He played out of his mind in the 2019-20 postseason where he averaged 26.5 points per game while shooting 50.5% from the field but he’s been nowhere near those levels of late. This year, he’s averaged just 20.0 points per game on 45.4% shooting. While it’s still good, it’s not All-Star level. That’s where he needs to be for this team to make it to the NBA Finals.
The other concern is how this team finished. They were basically a .500 team for the last few months, going 20-16 in their final 36 games. Taking a more recent snapshot, they finished just 7-10 in their last 17 games. If that’s how they play, they’ll be vulnerable to an upset in Game 1 and in this series.
NBA Playoffs Prediction: Who Will Win Timberwolves vs. Nuggets?
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TIMBERWOLVES
115 -
NUGGETS
124
Score
Prediction
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 15 Apr 5:17am | MIN | -7 -115 | O +224.5 -110 |
| Closing 17 Apr 2:41am | MIN | -8.5 -110 | O +225 -110 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Timberwolves Team Leaders
| Points |
24.63 |
| Assists |
5 |
| Rebounds |
11.63 |
| FG% |
65.9 |
| Steals |
1.58 |
| Blocks |
1.36 |
| Points |
24.49 |
| Assists |
9.83 |
| Rebounds |
11.84 |
| FG% |
76.5 |
| Steals |
1.47 |
| Blocks |
0.75 |
| Points |
31.6 |
| Assists |
6.4 |
| Rebounds |
12.2 |
| FG% |
63 |
| Steals |
2 |
| Blocks |
2 |
| Points |
30 |
| Assists |
9.5 |
| Rebounds |
13.45 |
| FG% |
66.7 |
| Steals |
1.5 |
| Blocks |
1 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Nuggets Team Leaders
| Points |
24.63 |
| Assists |
5 |
| Rebounds |
11.63 |
| FG% |
65.9 |
| Steals |
1.58 |
| Blocks |
1.36 |
| Points |
24.49 |
| Assists |
9.83 |
| Rebounds |
11.84 |
| FG% |
76.5 |
| Steals |
1.47 |
| Blocks |
0.75 |
| Points |
31.6 |
| Assists |
6.4 |
| Rebounds |
12.2 |
| FG% |
63 |
| Steals |
2 |
| Blocks |
2 |
| Points |
30 |
| Assists |
9.5 |
| Rebounds |
13.45 |
| FG% |
66.7 |
| Steals |
1.5 |
| Blocks |
1 |
Injuries
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)
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)
Injuries
| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
|||||
| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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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Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 15 Apr 5:17am MIN -7 -115 O +224.5 -110 Closing 17 Apr 2:41am MIN -8.5 -110 O +225 -110 -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Timberwolves Team Leaders
Points 24.63
Assists 5
Rebounds 11.63
FG% 65.9
Steals 1.58
Blocks 1.36
Points 24.49
Assists 9.83
Rebounds 11.84
FG% 76.5
Steals 1.47
Blocks 0.75
Points 31.6
Assists 6.4
Rebounds 12.2
FG% 63
Steals 2
Blocks 2
Points 30
Assists 9.5
Rebounds 13.45
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.5
Blocks 1
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Nuggets Team Leaders
Points 24.63
Assists 5
Rebounds 11.63
FG% 65.9
Steals 1.58
Blocks 1.36
Points 24.49
Assists 9.83
Rebounds 11.84
FG% 76.5
Steals 1.47
Blocks 0.75
Points 31.6
Assists 6.4
Rebounds 12.2
FG% 63
Steals 2
Blocks 2
Points 30
Assists 9.5
Rebounds 13.45
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.5
Blocks 1
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Injuries
Jaylen 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 / 23Jamal 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 / 23Injuries
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.
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.