Denver’s Dominance Bleeds Into Postseason | Timberwolves vs Nuggets | OSB
Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets
By Sam Batz
The NBA postseason enters its second week as the No. 1 seed Denver Nuggets gear-up to host the No. 8 seed Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 (10:00 PM EST, TNT). The Nuggets did not disappoint in the series opener, thrashing the Timberwolves 109-80. Denver looked great in Game 1, sticking to their vintage style of team basketball. 6 different Nuggets recorded double-digit scoring figures in Game 1. The Timberwolves held their own in the first half, but Minnesota couldn’t keep up with Denver in the second half, scoring just 14 points in the third quarter, and now enter Game 2 as the clear underdogs.
The Minnesota Timberwolves (+280)
Minnesota finished the regular season with a 42-40 record, and came out of the play-in tournament as the No. 8 seed in the West. Unfortunately, as the No. 8 seed, they face the top-team in the conference in the First Round. The No. 8 seed has only defeated the No. 1 seed four times in NBA history, and after their performance in Game 1, it doesn’t seem like the Timberwolves will be added to that list. Minnesota lost by 29 points on Sunday, and not a single Timberwolf eclipsed the 20 point threshold. The good news is, Minnesota can’t do much worse, and can play Game 2 fast, aggressive, and with nothing to lose.
The Denver Nuggets (-350)
In Game 1, the Nuggets showed everyone why they are the best in the West. They recorded the largest margin-of-victory in any Game 1 matchup this postseason, shooting 45.6% from the field, and 41.0% from the three-point line. Jamal Murray led the team with 24 points, and the reigning two-time MVP, Nikola Jokic, recorded his 33rd career playoff double-double. The Nuggets were dominant on both ends of the court and are heavily favored to win Game 2. According to FiveThirtyEight, Denver has a 82% chance to make it to the Conference Semifinals, and a 38% chance to see the Finals for the first time in franchise history.
Timberwolves vs. Nuggets: Game 2 Odds
Team | Current Spread | Current Total | Opening Moneyline |
Minnesota Timberwolves | +8 (-110) | Ov 222.5 (-110) | +280 |
Denver Nuggets | -8 (-110) | Un 222.5 (-110) | -350 |
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Timberwolves vs. Nuggets: Regular Season Stats
Minnesota Timberwolves (42-40) 115.8 (T-12th) 115.8 (18th) 49.0 (T-3rd) 36.5 (T-13th) 113.3 (23rd) 113.1 (T-10th) 22-19 (53.7%) 20-21 (48.8%) | Stat Type Points/Game Opponent Points/Game Field Goal % Three-Point % Offensive Rating Defensive Rating Home Record (Win-Rate) Away Record (Win-Rate) | Denver Nuggets (53-29) 115.8 (T-12th) 112.5 (T-8th) 50.4 (1st) 37.9 (4th) 116.8 (5th) 113.5 (T-15th) 34-7 (82.9%) 19-22 (46.3%) |
Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Betting Trends
Minnesota Timberwolves 42-43 22-21 (Away) 31-24 (vs. West) 38-46-1 2-8 21-23 (as Underdogs) 11-17 (Underdogs Away) | Betting Trend ATS (Season) ATS (Home/Away) ATS (Conference) O/U (Season) O/U (Last 10) ML (Favorite/Underdog) ML (Home/Away) | Denver Nuggets 45-37-1 26-15-1 (Home) 30-22-1 (vs. West) 38-45 2-8 43-18 (as Favorites) 30-7 (Favorites Home) |
Timberwolves vs. Nuggets: Best Prop Bets
Jamal Murray (Nuggets Point Guard): Over 22.5 points in Game 2
Jamal Murray was the only player on Denver with 20+ points in Game 1. The 26-year old point guard is a tenacious player, and when he’s healthy, he can run with the best of them. He averaged an even 20.0 points per game this season, 2nd on the team. Murray scored 23+ points in 24 games and had a season high of 41. Most notably, Nikola Jokic is questionable for Game 2, and if he can’t go, Jamal Murray will have ample opportunities to score the rock.
Rudy Gobert (Timberwolves Center): Over 11.5 rebounds in Game 2
The 7’ 1” Frenchman is questionable to play because of back spasms. It’s been a lingering issue for Gobert in recent weeks, but he had the same tag for Game 1 and still played. The Timberwolves need Gobert on the floor to gobble-up rebounds and intimidate the Nuggets with his defensive presence. He recorded 13 rebounds in Game 1 and averaged 11.6 per game during the season. If Jokic doesn’t play, then Gobert will face little resistance on missed shots, and Minnesota’s big man will dominate the boards.
Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Prediction: Game 2
Take the Denver Nuggets to win Game 2. It will inevitably be a closer game than Game 1, but Denver will still come out on top. The Nuggets won over 82% of their home games, while the Timberwolves lost over 51% of their road games. Simply put, Denver is the superior team and will protect their home-court no matter what. The Nuggets are out to prove they can overcome their postseason slump, and taking down the Timberwolves is the first step.
Prediction: Denver Nuggets Moneyline (-350)
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