Apr 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets dancers perform in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction 4/23/2026 Today’s NBA Picks

Pick details

MATCHUP Denver Nuggets Minnesota Timberwolves
Team Records 54-28 49-33
Spread -2.5 -108 +2.5 -112
Moneyline -135 +114
Total Over 233.5 (-112) Under 233.5 (-108)
Where Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
When Thursday, April 23, 2026
Time 09:30 PM EDT
TV Prime Video

The Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves meet Thursday in NBA Game 3 at the Target Center. Here’s a Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction. This article will include a Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves Pick.

Denver Nuggets Betting Preview


The Denver Nuggets look to rebound and take a 2-1 series lead. The Nuggets have won 13 of their last 14 games.

The Denver Nuggets are averaging 115 points on 43.9 percent shooting and allowing 112 points on 46.9 percent shooting. Jamal Murray is averaging 30 points and 6 rebounds, while Nikola Jokic is averaging 24.5 points and 14 rebounds. Christian Braun is the third double-digit scorer, and Aaron Gordon is grabbing 7.5 rebounds. The Denver Nuggets are shooting 32.5 percent from beyond the arc and 84.1 percent from the free-throw line. The Denver Nuggets are allowing 36.8 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 45 rebounds per game.

Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Preview


The Minnesota Timberwolves look for another win to take a 2-1 series lead. The Timberwolves have won 4 of their last 6 games.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are averaging 112 points on 46.9 percent shooting and allowing 115 points on 43.9 percent shooting. Anthony Edwards is averaging 26 points and 9.5 rebounds, while Julius Randle is averaging 20 points and 4 assists. Jaden McDaniels is the third double-digit scorer, and Donte DiVincenzo is grabbing 5.5 rebounds. The Minnesota Timberwolves are shooting 36.8 percent from beyond the arc and 67.3 percent from the free-throw line. The Minnesota Timberwolves are allowing 32.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 46 rebounds per game.

Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win

  • The Timberwolves have won seven of their last eight home games against Western Conference opponents.
  • The Nuggets have lost four of their last six playoff games as favorites against Northwest Division opponents.
  • The Nuggets have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six games as road favorites against Western Conference opponents.
  • The Timberwolves have covered the spread in eight of their last nine games at Target Center against Northwest Division opponents that held a winning record.

Why the Denver Nuggets will win

  • The Nuggets have won each of their last 10 games as favorites following a home loss.
  • The Timberwolves have lost four of their last five playoff games against Northwest Division opponents following a win.
  • The Nuggets have covered the spread in each of their last five playoff games against Western Conference opponents following a loss.
  • The Timberwolves have failed to cover the spread in 13 of their last 17 home games after winning as underdogs.

Total Points Facts

  • Nine of the Timberwolves’ last 10 playoff games at Target Center have gone OVER the total points line.
  • Sixteen of the Nuggets’ last 18 road games against Western Conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.

Minnesota Timberwolves Player Facts

  • Naz Reid ranks 2nd amongst qualified Centers for three-pointers made per game (2.1) this season.
  • Ayo Dosunmu ranks 6th amongst qualified players for 3P% (43.9%) this season.

Denver Nuggets Player Facts

  • Cameron Johnson ranks 8th amongst qualified players for 3P% (43.0%) this season.
  • Tim Hardaway Jr. ranks 12th amongst qualified players for three-pointers made per 36 minutes (3.8) this season.

Matchup/League Facts

  • The Timberwolves rank 2nd in the league for blocks per game this season (5.8).
  • The Timberwolves rank 2nd in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (4.1).
  • The Nuggets rank 30th in the league for opponent turnovers per game this season (11.8).
  • The Nuggets rank 1st in the league for three-point percentage this season (39.6%).

Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Report


The Timberwolves don’t have any players listed on their injury report.

Peyton Watson is out for the Nuggets with a hamstring injury.

Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction


The Nuggets and the small number is appealing as they have the best player on the floor and are still favored to win the series. However, the Timberwolves have been in both games and will be even more confident at home. The Timberwolves have won 6 of the last 10 games against the Nuggets, and the underdog has covered 6 of the last 10 games. Since January 2025, the Timberwolves are 8-4 ATS as a home underdog and 6 of those covers were outright wins. This feels like it’s going to be a long series as the Timberwolves are comfortable against the Nuggets. I’ll grab the bucket in a game that could go either way.

Randy Chambers's Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves +2.5