The streaking Denver Nuggets, winners of 13 straight overall and 12 straight at home, host the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series Monday at 10:30 p.m. ET.

Jamal Murray went 16-for-16 from the free-throw line and scored 30 points to go along with seven assists and five rebounds to lead Denver, which took control of the game in the third quarter when Minnesota missed 14 of its first 16 shots. 

Nikola Jokic had a triple-double with 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists, and Aaron Gordon added 17 points and eight rebounds for the Nuggets, who beat the Timberwolves for the fourth time in five meetings this season. 

For Minnesota, the big question lies with Anthony Edwards, who led the team with 22 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. He is dealing with right-knee inflammation,  and if he cannot shoulder the load, this will be a short series.

Timberwolves vs. Nuggets NBA Betting Odds

The Nuggets, who are now 4-1 straight up and against the spread against the T’Wolves this season, are decisive 6.5-point favourites on the NBA odds and are listed at -260 on the moneyline. Minnesota is listed at +210. The over/under is set at 231 points. These teams have played to the under in three of their previous five meetings this season. 

Minnesota Timberwolves

Rudy Gobert added 17 points and 10 rebounds in Game 1 for Minnesota, followed by Jaden McDaniels with 16 points and eight rebounds, and Julius Randle with 16 points and seven rebounds.

Edwards missed time with that right-knee inflammation late in the season. McDaniels, who is playing with some left knee patella issues, is questionable for Game 2. 

The teams were evenly matched up in a physical Game 1, but the Timberwolves could not hang with Denver at the free-throw line. The Nuggets shot 91 per cent (30-for-33), while Minnesota shot 74 per cent (14-for-19).

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets have won 12 straight at Ball Arena, with their last home loss taking place more than six weeks ago. The team’s championship experience was on display with  Murray and Jokic dominating, although Murray was 0-for-8 from three-point range, which is something to keep an eye on as the series progresses. 

The Nuggets’ return to near-full health has been a game-changer. Jokic, Murray, Gordon, and Christian Braun (12 points, eight rebounds in Game 1) are all contributing at high levels after missing significant regular-season time.

Only Peyton Watson (hamstring) remains sidelined, and he could miss the entire first round.

NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Game 2?

This is as even a series as you’re going to find in the NBA over the past few years. In fact, with Saturday’s Game 1 victory, Denver now owns a slim, 15-14 advantage over the T-Wolves since the start of the 2022-23 season. 

Both teams have won a series against the other during that timeframe. So, despite Edwards’ lingering injury issues, don’t count on a short series.

What you should count on, however, is Denver’s continued dominance at home, even though the Timberwolves are one of just two teams to defeat the Nuggets in Denver since the beginning of March. 

Look for higher output as the teams pick up steam offensively earlier in the contest. Take the Nuggets to win 128-121. 

TIMBERWOLVES

Away

121

NUGGETS

Home

128

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