The Minnesota Timberwolves pay a visit to the Denver Nuggets at the Ball Arena on Christmas Day. Here’s a Nuggets vs Timberwolves Prediction. This article will include a Nuggets vs Timberwolves Pick.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Preview
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been on a tear as they’ve won 10 of their last 12 games overall, and they will be aiming for a fourth straight victory after running past the Knicks in a 115-104 win on Tuesday. Anthony Edwards led the team with 37 points on 15 of 27 shooting, Julius Randle added 25 points on 10 of 20 shooting, while Donte DiVincenzo and Rudy Gobert each scored 11 points. As a team, the Timberwolves shot 45 percent from the field and 15 of 46 from the 3-point line. However, this win was more about their defense as they kept a lid on the Knicks from the start and kept a narrow lead until the fourth quarter. They were able to finally pull away against a Knicks’ team missing their leading scorer in Jalen Brunson.
Denver Nuggets Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets have been in great shape, as they’ve won seven of their last nine games overall. They will be looking to bounce back here after falling just short to the Mavericks in a 131-130 road defeat on Tuesday. Jamal Murray led the team with 31 points, seven rebounds and 14 assists, Nikola Jokic tallied 29 points with seven rebounds and 14 assists while Tim Hardaway Jr chipped in with 23 points on eight of 13 shooting off the bench. As a team, the Nuggets shot a healthy 57 percent from the field and 20 of 41 from the 3-point line as they exploded for 47 points in the third quarter to overcome an early 21-point deficit. Only to come up short in the fourth quarter in a game that could’ve easily gone either way.
Why the Denver Nuggets will win
- The Nuggets have won each of their last seven games following a loss.
- The Timberwolves have lost each of their last four road games against Northwest Division opponents that held a winning record.
- The Nuggets have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games against Northwest Division opponents following a loss.
- The Timberwolves have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four road games following a win.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win
- The Timberwolves have won each of their last five games as road underdogs against the Nuggets following a win.
- The Nuggets have lost three of their last four games as home favorites against Western Conference opponents.
- The Nuggets have failed to cover the spread in each of their last 10 home games after losing as favorites.
- The Timberwolves have covered the spread in seven of their last eight road games against the Nuggets following a win.
Total Points Facts
- Eight of the Nuggets’ last nine games as favorites following a road loss have gone OVER the total points line.
- Seven of the Timberwolves’ last eight games have gone UNDER the total points line.
Denver Nuggets Player Facts
- Nikola Jokic ranks 1st amongst qualified players for assists per game (10.9) this season.
- Tim Hardaway Jr. has recorded 17 games with 1+ assists and zero turnovers this season – most of any player in the league.
Minnesota Timberwolves Player Facts
- Rudy Gobert ranks 1st amongst qualified players for FG% (73.1%) this season.
- Mike Conley has recorded 12 games with 2+ assists and zero turnovers this season – equal-most of any player in the league.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Nuggets rank 1st in the league for points per game this season (125.2).
- The Nuggets rank 1st in the league for field goal percentage this season (51.5%).
- The Timberwolves rank 1st in the league for H2 win percentage this season (76.7%).
- The Timberwolves have used only four different starting fives this season – fewest in the league.
Nuggets vs Timberwolves Prediction
The Timberwolves could be slightly shorthanded in this one with Jaden McDaniels currently listed as questionable, while the Nuggets have ruled out Cameron Johnson, Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun. The Timberwolves have quietly been one of the hottest teams in the league. They are almost fully healthy, and they will like their chances against the Nuggets, who are coming into this one fresh off a tough loss to the Mavericks. These teams have already met twice this season, with the Nuggets winning both meetings by double digits, so they are certainly tempting at the short line at home. However, the Timberwolves are streaking right now, and I think they can get some revenge in this spot.