| MATCHUP | Denver Nuggets | Minnesota Timberwolves |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 54-28 | 49-33 |
| Where | Target Center, Minneapolis, MN | |
| When | Thursday, April 30, 2026 | |
| Time | 09:30 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPN | |
Denver Nuggets Betting Preview
The Denver Nuggets need a win to save their season and force a game 7 on Saturday. The Nuggets have won 14 of their last 17 games.
The Denver Nuggets are averaging 109.4 points on 43.3 percent shooting and allowing 112.4 points on 47 percent shooting. Jamal Murray is averaging 26 points and 4.8 rebounds, while Nikola Jokic is averaging 25.4 points and 14 rebounds. Cameron Johnson is the third double-digit scorer, and Aaron Gordon is grabbing 5.3 rebounds. The Denver Nuggets are shooting 30.1 percent from beyond the arc and 82.7 percent from the free-throw line. The Denver Nuggets are allowing 35.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 39.4 rebounds per game.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Preview
The Minnesota Timberwolves look for a series win and to advance to the second round for a third straight season. The Timberwolves have won 6 of their last 9 games.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are averaging 112.4 points on 47 percent shooting and allowing 109.4 points on 43.3 percent shooting. Ayo Dosunmu is averaging 21.8 points and 2.8 rebounds, while Julius Randle is averaging 19.4 points and 4 assists. Anthony Edwards is the third double-digit scorer, and Jaden McDaniels is grabbing 6.2 rebounds. The Minnesota Timberwolves are shooting 35.5 percent from beyond the arc and 78.2 percent from the free-throw line. The Minnesota Timberwolves are allowing 30.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 46.6 rebounds per game.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win
- The Timberwolves have won each of their last seven Western Conference First Round games at Target Center.
- The Nuggets have lost each of their last five playoff road games.
- The Timberwolves have covered the spread in each of their last seven Western Conference First Round games at Target Center.
- The Nuggets have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven games as road favorites against Western Conference opponents.
Why the Denver Nuggets will win
- The Nuggets have won 12 of their last 13 games against Western Conference opponents following a win.
- The Timberwolves have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six games at Target Center following a road loss.
- The favorites have covered the spread in three of the Nuggets’ last four games at Target Center.
Total Points: Facts
- Each of the Nuggets’ last four games as favorites following a home win have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of the Timberwolves’ last four games as home underdogs following a road loss 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
Peyton Watson is out for the Nuggets with a hamstring injury. Aaron Gordon is questionable with a calf issue.
The Timberwolves will be without Donte DiVincenzo and Anthony Edwards. Bones Hyland is questionable with knee soreness.
Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction
The Nuggets got their swagger back after a game 5 win and taking advantage of the Timberwolves’ injuries. Oddsmakers have clearly given up on this Minnesota team as well. I say not so fast. The Timberwolves hung around in that loss and we know role players play better at home. I’m still not ready to buy in with these Nuggets, as they’re just not as efficient as past years and their offense has had trouble against this Timberwolves defense.
The Nuggets are also 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games as a road favorite. The Nuggets haven’t covered as a road favorite since February 20. Obviously the Timberwolves aren’t as attractive as they would be with their starting backcourt, but at home and with this defense, they can hang around and even have a chance to steal it late. Give me the points.