Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets Predictions, Odds, Picks

• Just 2.5 games back of the 6th seed, the Minnesota Timberwolves can still earn guaranteed playoff position
• The Denver Nuggets look to strengthen their hold on 5th in the Western Conference
• The Timberwolves lead the season series, 2-1

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets Odds

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets Predictions and Pick

The Minnesota Timberwolves have shown the ability to go on tremendous scoring runs. However, Minnesota’s defensive standards can be inconsistent, while Denver have shown the two-way play to last all four quarters.

Pick:

Denver Nuggets def. Minnesota Timberwolves

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Head-to-Head: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets

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How Can the Timberwolves Beat the Nuggets?

The Minnesota Timberwolves are looking to get back in the win column after blowing a lead in their last game. When they face off against the Denver Nuggets, they’ll need to slow down one of the league’s most dangerous offensive units.

It’s no secret that the Denver Nuggets run their offence through Nikola Jokic. However, the true focus for the Timberwolves should be their ability to limit Denver’s ability from three-point range. Denver shoots 32.2% from three in losses, versus shooting 37.6% in wins.

The Timberwolves love to shoot the three-ball themselves, but they’re not the best in the league at defending it. They only allow their opponents to shoot 34.7% from three, but are in the bottom third of the league in threes allowed. Minnesota must be focused on the defensive side of the ball.

Timberwolves Key Player: (C) Karl-Anthony Towns

Karl-Anthony Towns poster dunk, wow pic.twitter.com/BKy4zBuy8d

— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) March 24, 2022

Karl-Anthony Towns claims to be the NBA’s best-ever shooting big man, but he is yet to translate it into significant success. The Timberwolves need Towns to be in top form if they hope to beat the Nuggets.

In his last game, a loss to the Toronto Raptors, Towns struggled to be impactful. The Timberwolves All-Star posted 16 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals in 32 minutes of play. He shot 7 of 13 from the field, despite not making a single three-pointer. He struggled with his ball control and defence though, committing 7 turnovers and 5 fouls.

Towns can’t afford to not be aggressive against the Denver Nuggets. Considering Nikola Jokic’s amazing offensive ability, Towns’ threat on the offensive end can greatly pressure the Nuggets star.

How Can the Nuggets Beat the Timberwolves?

The Nuggets will be facing one of the league’s more dangerous three-point shooting teams in the Minnesota Timberwolves. Being one of the league’s best three-point defensive teams, Denver certainly have the tools to succeed.

Minnesota are first in the NBA in three-pointers made per game with 14.7, while Denver is 7th in the league in three-pointers allowed at 11.8. The issue for Denver is their interior defence, which ranks 28th in the league (55.0% two-point efficiency allowed).

With Minnesota’s athleticism, they are very capable of shifting their offensive focus toward the rim. If that’s the case, the Nuggets need to be able to protect the hoop. If Denver struggles to protect the rim, Minnesota will have a very good chance of taking them down.

Nuggets Key Player: (C) Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic dropped 18 points in the second half, taking control of the game and leading the @nuggets to their 3rd straight win! #MileHighBasketball

? 37 PTS, 13 REB, 9 AST, 2 STL pic.twitter.com/XtP5JL8yWY

— NBA (@NBA) March 31, 2022

Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic is always the main factor in regards to the Denver Nuggets’ success. Against one of the NBA’s most dangerous offensive big men, Jokic needs to be as productive as possible.

In his last game, a victory over the Indiana Pacers, Jokic posted 37 points, 13 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals in 35 minutes of play. Jokic’s playmaking continues to be his most valuable trait, but when focused on his scoring he is difficult to stop.

Against the Timberwolves, Jokic’s playmaking ability will be key to unlocking Minnesota’s athletic defence. If Jokic can find opportunities for his teammates early, the Timberwolves will struggle to contain him.

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