Minnesota Timberwolves (43-43) vs Denver Nuggets (55-29)
Game Info: Friday, April 21, 2023 at 9:30 pm (Target Center)
Betting Odds: Minnesota Timberwolves +2.5 -- Over/Under: 223 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves meet Friday in Game 3 of the NBA West First Round Playoffs at the Target Center. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.
The Denver Nuggets are averaging 115.5 points on 49.7 percent shooting and allowing 96.5 points on 43.8 percent shooting. Jamal Murray is averaging 32 points and 5.5 rebounds, while Nikola Jokic is averaging 20 points and 11.5 rebounds. Michael Porter Jr. is the third double-digit scorer and Aaron Gordon is grabbing 7.5 rebounds. The Denver Nuggets are shooting 42.6 percent from beyond the arc and 73.8 percent from the free throw line. The Denver Nuggets are allowing 37.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 45 rebounds per game.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are averaging 96.5 points on 43.8 percent shooting and allowing 115.5 points on 49.7 percent shooting. Anthony Edwards is averaging 29.5 points and 2 rebounds, while Rudy Gobert is averaging 13.5 points and 2 assists. Mike Conley is the third double-digit scorer and Karl-Anthony Towns is grabbing 11 rebounds. The Minnesota Timberwolves are shooting 37.3 percent from beyond the arc and 71.8 percent from the free throw line. The Minnesota Timberwolves are allowing 42.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 36.5 rebounds per game.
The Nuggets are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games playing on 1 days rest and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The Timberwolves are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 home games and 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest. The under is 12-3 in Nuggets last 15 overall. The under is 7-3 in Timberwolves last 10 overall. The Nuggets are 23-7-1 ATS in the last 31 meetings in Minnesota.
Game 3s are usually where the team down 0-2 gives its best effort, especially at home, and the Minnesota Timberwolves had their chances in game 2 which should provide confidence. The Denver Nuggets have had their issues on the road this season, where they lose by an average of 3.1 points. If the Timberwolves can get an effective Karl-Anthony Towns for once, they should be able to scratch out a victory. KAT has to show up, as he's shooting under 30 percent from the field through 2 games. Anyway, I'll grab the bucket with the Timberwolves in a game they can win outright.
Randy’s Pick Minnesota Timberwolves +2.5
AUTHOR: Randy Chambers
Follow Randy Chambers on Twitter @WizardOf0dds