The Denver Nuggets play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 at the Ball Arena on Monday night. Here’s a Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Prediction. This article will include a Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Pick.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Preview
The Minnesota Timberwolves must have been quietly confident heading into the playoffs, but they are now in danger of falling further behind in the series after losing by 116-105 in Game 1 last night. Anthony Edwards led the team with 22 points, nine rebounds and seven assists; Rudy Gobert tallied 17 points with 10 rebounds while Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels each scored 16 points. As a team, the Timberwolves shot 46 percent from the field and 11 of 34 from the 3-point line as they stormed out of the gates with 33 points in the first quarter to take an early 12-point lead, but it didn’t last long at all as the Timberwolves leaked 39 points in the second quarter to see the scores tied going into halftime. The Timberwolves looked like they were about to pull off the upset after they cut a 15-point deficit to just two points but they just couldn’t get over the hump in the end.
Denver Nuggets Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets will be feeling pretty good after they held off the Timberwolves in a gritty home win in Game 1. Jamal Murray led the team in scoring with 30 points and seven assists, thanks to a perfect 16 of 16 from the free throw line. Nikola Jokic racked up a triple-double of 25 points with 13 rebounds and 11 assists, while Aaron Gordon chipped in with 17 points on five of 10 shooting. As a team, the Nuggets shot 44 percent from the field and just 10 of 36 from the 3-point line as they overcame an early deficit and looked to be in full control after going on a 17-2 run in the third quarter, but they allowed the Timberwolves back into the contest and were able to pull away late thanks to Jokic and Murray.
Why the Denver Nuggets will win
- The Nuggets have won each of their last 13 games.
- The Timberwolves have lost eight of their last nine Western Conference First Round road games against Northwest Division opponents.
- The home team has covered the spread in each of the Timberwolves’ last seven playoff games.
- The Timberwolves have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight playoff road games following a loss.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win
- The Timberwolves have won seven of their last eight night games against Western Conference opponents.
- The Nuggets have lost 20 of their last 25 Game 2s of a Western Conference First Round series.
- The Timberwolves have covered the spread in seven of their last eight night games against Western Conference opponents.
- The Nuggets have failed to cover the spread in four of their last five Western Conference First Round games as favorites following a win.
Total Points Facts
- Nine of the Nuggets’ last 10 night games against Northwest Division opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
- Seven of the Timberwolves’ last eight playoff games as road underdogs have gone UNDER the total points line.
Denver Nuggets Player Facts
- Nikola Jokic ranks 1st amongst qualified players for assists per game (10.7) this season.
- Jamal Murray is one of only five players in the league to have recorded 30+ points and 10+ assists in consecutive games this season.
Minnesota Timberwolves Player Facts
- Rudy Gobert ranks 1st amongst qualified players for FG% (68.2%) this season.
- Jaden McDaniels is one of only five qualified players in the league averaging at least 1.0 three, 1.0 steal, and 1.0 block this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Nuggets rank 1st in the league for points per game this season (122.1).
- The Nuggets rank 30th in the league for steals per game this season (6.8).
- The Timberwolves rank 1st in the league for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (12.1).
- The Timberwolves have used only 14 different starting fives this season—the fewest in the league.
Nuggets vs Timberwolves Prediction
The Timberwolves are coming in with a full squad once again, while the Nuggets are keeping an eye on Peyton Watson, who remains a game-time decision with his hamstring injury. The Timberwolves will have mixed emotions about their performance in Game 1, but they were still right in the contest midway through the fourth quarter. The Nuggets were good enough to get the win and cover in Game 1, but I think the series tightens up from this point so I will take the Timberwolves with the points in a game they could win outright.