The opening round of the NBA postseason continues tonight, Monday, April 20, as the Denver Nuggets host the Minnesota Timberwolves for a crucial Game 2. The nightcap of today's triple-header is scheduled to tip off at 10:30 p.m. ET from Ball Arena, with national coverage provided by NBC and Peacock.
Denver enters the contest as a 7-point home favorite, with the total currently sitting at 231.5 points. The Nuggets are priced as -295 favorites on the moneyline, while the Timberwolves come in as +240 underdogs to even up the series at 1-1.
Below, we’ll break down the latest Timberwolves vs. Nuggets predictions and my expert NBA picks for tonight's playoff showdown.
Timberwolves vs Nuggets Prediction, Pick
- Timberwolves vs Nuggets pick: Timberwolves +7 (-106)
My Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Game 2 best bet is on Minnesota to cover the spread (+7). Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets Odds
| Timberwolves Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+7 -106 | 231.5 -110o / -110u | +240 |
| Nuggets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-7 -114 | 231.5 -110o / -110u | -295 |
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Timberwolves vs Nuggets Preview for NBA Playoffs Game 2
The bad news is, the Timberwolves were gifted a golden chance in Game 1 and couldn’t get the job done. The Nuggets shot 10-of-36 from 3-point range and lost points in the paint — and Minnesota still lost.
The good news was, the Wolves were within striking distance in Game 1 before a halfcourt shot barely grazed the rim from Jamal Murray, allowing them to score a dunk in the chaos. Minnesota led early and pushed late, but couldn’t quite find its footing.
The Wolves aren’t way off, but it’s going to take more than tactical adjustments, because their available options aren’t great. They can swing more small-ball minutes, but it risks opening up for a huge Nikola Jokic game. They can go bigger, but it risks not being able to keep up with the Nuggets’ offense.
Denver has the high ground here, but Minnesota does have enough weapons to stay within the number or win.
The Timberwolves' blown opportunity in Game 1 doesn’t change the fact they were able to take the first quarter and hold a lead for long stretches — as well as make a late run.
Timberwolves vs Nuggets Picks, Betting Analysis
Timberwolves +7
Anthony Edwards is hobbled, that’s clear — but his condition is about managing pain. He can still get enough burst to carry his team in Game 2.
Maybe the Nuggets will struggle from 3-point range again without their free-throw advantage. Maybe the Wolves will have a hot shooting night.
These two teams just aren’t far enough apart for this number with Minnesota potentially facing an 0-2 hole.
Over 231.5
Minnesota was able to attack downhill and get to the rim cleanly and consistently last game — and their three-point rate was solid enough.
Denver’s offense was unbothered by the Wolves’ pressure. This is not 2024 when Murray was unable to create separation and the Nuggets’ spacing was curtailed.
If the Wolves are going to win this game, they’ll need spacing and explosiveness offensively. They’ll want to create more turnovers and get downhill.
Denver’s defense wasn’t lucky in Game 1, but things did fall their way.
The Nuggets did the work and have some defensive matchup advantages that weren’t present the past two years against Minnesota.
Julius Randle Over 24.5 Points & Rebounds
If the Wolves need more offense, turning to Julius Randle is the safest move. He lost his individual matchups, but I’m expecting altered rotations to get him in different ones.
If the Wolves go small and force the Nuggets to pull Jonas Valanciunas, there will be more chances for put-backs and less size overall on the floor.
McDaniels Over 1.5 Three-Pointers / DiVincenzo Over 2.5 Three-Pointers
Donte DiVincenzo went over this line last game, while McDaniels went 0-4 and had multiple more opportunities from the corners that he chose to drive on instead.
I think McDaniels sees enough volume again to know down two here. Denver simply gives up too many 3-point attempts out of their backside rotation coverage to ignore these props.
Timberwolves vs Nuggets Game 2 Best Bets
- Timberwolves +7 (-106)
- Over 231.5 (-110)
- Julius Randle Over 24.5 Points & Rebounds (-115)
- Jaden McDaniels Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made (+142)
- Donte DiVincenzo Over 2.5 Three-Pointers Made (+120)
Timberwolves vs Nuggets Betting Trends
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