The Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets will face off in Game 2 of their first-round NBA playoff series tonight. Tipoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET from Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. The game will broadcast live on NBC and Peacock.
The Nuggets are 6.5-point favorites over the Timberwolves on the spread (Nuggets -6.5), with the over/under set at 230.5 total points. Denver is a -258 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Minnesota is +210 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Timberwolves vs. Nuggets predictions and NBA picks for Monday, April 20.
Timberwolves vs Nuggets Prediction
- Timberwolves vs Nuggets pick: Timberwolves +6.5 (-115)
My Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Game 2 best bet is on Minnesota to cover the spread. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Timberwolves vs Nuggets Odds
| Timberwolves Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6.5 -105 | 230.5 -110o / -110u | +210 |
| Nuggets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6.5 -115 | 230.5 -110o / -110u | -258 |
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Timberwolves vs Nuggets NBA Playoffs Game 2 Preview
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 Pick, Betting Analysis
Timberwolves +6.5
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 230.5
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.
Jaden McDaniels Over 1.5 Three-Pointers / Donte 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 Best Bets for Game 2
- Timberwolves +6.5 (-115)
- Over 230.5 (-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)
