The Minnesota Timberwolves fought valiantly on Sunday to deliver a balanced team effort and their first win of the series.
With that, they’ve now forced a Game 5 of their first-round series with the Denver Nuggets and now head back to the Mile High City to try and extend this series once more. Can Denver close things out in Game 5 or will Minnesota cover and/or win again?
Timberwolves vs. Nuggets NBA Playoff Betting Odds
The Timberwolves are 1-4 ATS in their last five games played in the Conference Quarterfinals and are just 2-6 ATS in their last eight games played when getting only one day of rest in between games. As for the total, the under has hit in five of their last six games when coming off a straight-up win in the previous outing. It’s also hit in five of their last six road games against a team with a winning home record.
Denver has been reliable in bounce back situations, going 6-1 ATS in their last seven games when coming off a straight-up loss in the previous contest. They are also just 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall. Their total has seen the under hit in six of their last seven games played at home and five of their last six when coming off an ATS loss.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Anthony Edwards had a quiet Game 1 in this series but has been a monster ever since. He just dropped his third straight 30-plus point game in this series and forced a Game 5 to avoid getting swept. His three-pointer at the end of overtime avoided a nearly disastrous blown lead for the Timberwolves and sealed the win. When asked about it, he said that he took it “personally” and wanted to avoid the sweep.
Minnesota’s bench continued to disappoint, though, which is a concern going forward. The starters really came to play as Karl-Anthony Towns had 17 points and 11 rebounds and was instrumental early. Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert had 14 points and 15 rebounds while Mike Conley had 19 points and eight assists. The Wolves did almost choke away a double-digit lead twice throughout this game and that’s the concern here. It really feels like they couldn’t have played better and they still barely won.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets were apparently on cruise control throughout this game as they looked toward the sweep. The bench mustered just 12 points, with 11 coming from Bruce Brown, and the starters were dragged along by Nikola Jokic. Jokic had his best game of the playoffs so far with 43 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists showing to keep the Nuggets even remotely close to winning.
The loss didn’t sit well with the Nuggets, who had the chance to sweep a team for the first time in their franchise’s history. The reality, though, is that they played solid defense but the bench had a bad night and Jamal Murray was eight-of-21 from the field. If a couple of those small things change – and they should since Denver will now be at home – then Denver should get the win in Game 5 and put this series to bed.
Game 5 Prediction: Who Will Win Timberwolves vs. Nuggets?
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TIMBERWOLVES
107 -
NUGGETS
121
Score
Prediction
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 24 Apr 4:51am | MIN | -9 -110 | O +221.5 -110 |
| Closing 25 Apr 3:17pm | MIN | -10 -110 | O +220.5 -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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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 24 Apr 4:51am MIN -9 -110 O +221.5 -110 Closing 25 Apr 3:17pm MIN -10 -110 O +220.5 -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.