Nuggets vs Timberwolves Game Analysis
With the series tied 1-1, the teams move to Minnesota for Game 3 on April 23. At PayPerHead, with our Nuggets vs Timberwolves prediction article, you can see which team is the favorite for this matchup.
The Wolves will be motivated after their comeback win in Denver as they move to Minnesota for the next 2 games. Their defense has had success against Jokić, which they will continue to exploit. These are two well-matched teams, which will ensure an entertaining series that could stretch to 7 games.
Denver Nuggets Recent Scores: Long Winning Stretch
Denver had an amazing run to conclude the season, winning 12 games straight. That helped them regain their lead over the Timberwolves and stay ahead of the Lakers and Rockets.
Their most memorable win during that stretch was on April 4 when they outlasted the San Antonio Spurs 136-134 in overtime. Jokić had 40 points, 13 assists and 8 rebounds, while Victor Wembanyama scored 34 points, with 18 rebounds and 7 assists.
Location change. Goal’s the same. pic.twitter.com/iMXeygziGn
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 23, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves Recent Scores
The Wolves finished the regular season with a 5-5 record in their last 10 games, but won their last two.
The first win was against the Houston Rockets (136-132), with Amen Thompson having a career high 41 points and Kevin Durant netting 33 for the Rockets in this high-scoring game. Minnesota was without Julius Randle, who had a sore right hand, but the Wolves balanced their scoring to get the win, with 7 players getting at least 15 points.
In their last game of the season against the New Orleans Pelicans (132-126), the Wolves rested almost all of their regulars as they were locked into the No. 6 seed and the Pelicans were eliminated. Rookie forward Joan Beringer had 24 points and 12 rebounds.
Nuggets vs Timberwolves History: Developing Rivalry
Denver dominated the season against Minnesota:
- October 27, 2025: Nuggets 127 – 114 Timberwolves (at Minnesota)
- November 15, 2025: Nuggets 123 – 112 Timberwolves (at Minnesota)
- December 25, 2025: Nuggets 142 – 138 Timberwolves (at Denver)
- March 1, 2026: Nuggets 108 – 117 Timberwolves (at Denver)
The Nuggets won the first 3 games against the Wolves this season, but lost the final matchup on March 1, which moved the Wolves a game ahead of the Nuggets in the Western Conference. The Wolves didn’t stay ahead of the Nuggets very long.
Game 1 of this playoff series was a physical battle with 42 fouls called and Nikola Jokić getting a bloody nose. The star also contributed 25 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists to give Denver its 13th straight win, 116-105.
Game 2 looked like another win for the Nuggets as they led 44-25 early in the second quarter. But the Timberwolves fought back with Anthony Edwards adding 30 points and Julius Randle 24, to win 119-114.
Nuggets vs Timberwolves Prediction for Game 3
This series will continue to be physical and gritty and could be decided by the stars. If Anthony Edwards has a big night as he did in Game 2, they could cause another upset. If Jokić and Murray combine (Jokić with his triple-doubles), they can contain the Wolves.
Denver has more playoff experience and better depth, to give them a slight edge in this game and the series. But they are going into Minnesota, where the crowds could catch them off guard if they aren’t prepared.
The predicted spread is currently -1.5 in Denver’s favor. Our Nuggets vs Timberwolves prediction is close, but not that close. Denver will win 114-109.
