The No. 1 Denver Nuggets (52-29) will attempt to close out the No. 8 Minnesota Timberwolves (42-40) on Tuesday night at Ball Arena during round one of the NBA Playoffs.
Minnesota showed signs of life and extended the series after a 114-108 overtime win in game four.
[nsn_tip count=2 tip1=”Anthony Edwards over 2.5 blocks/steals” reason1=”Player prop” odds1=”20/29 (-145)” logo1=”https://punditfeed.com/app/uploads/nsntips/williamhill.png” bookmaker1=”williamhill” url1=”https://punditfeed.com/go-william-hill-uk-sports” tip2=”Jamal Murray to make over 2.5 threes” reason2=”Player prop” odds2=”20/29 (-145)” logo2=”https://punditfeed.com/app/uploads/nsntips/williamhill.png” bookmaker2=”williamhill” url2=”https://punditfeed.com/go-william-hill-uk-sports” target=”undefined” color_cta=”#000000″ text_cta=”white”]
These odds from William Hill were correct at the time of writing.
Denver vs Minnesota – Game Predictions
The books have the Nuggets as 9.5-point spread favorites and –529 on the moneyline compared to the Timberwolves (underdogs) at +323. The game total is set at 221 points.
Bettors have placed 61% of their wagers on the Mile High City to cover the spread and 77% of the money to win outright and finish the series.
Prediction 1: Anthony Edwards over 2.5 steals/blocks 20/29 (-145)
The Minnesota star has thrived against the Nuggets in practically all facets. Defensively, Edwards is averaging two blocks and 2.3 steals per game throughout the series, which adds up to 4.3 steals and blocks.
The 2020 No. 1 overall pick has recorded the following steals and blocks in each game:
- Game 4: 3 blocks, 2 steals
- Game 3: 1 block, 3 steals
- Game 2: 3 blocks, 2 steals
- Game 1: 1 block, 2 steals
Excluding the playoffs, Edwards averaged 1.5 blocks and 2 steals a game for the month of April.
The 21-year-old has beaten the 2.5 mark in six of his last seven games and has a good chance to continue his hot streak in a do-or-die scenario where he’ll play the maximum amount of minutes.
Prediction 2: Jamal Murray over 2.5 threes @ 20/29 (-145)
Jamal Murray is known for his talent from beyond the arc and held a 39.8% clip during the regular season.
For the campaign, the 26-year-old attempted 6.6 three-pointers per game and averaged 2.6 successful conversions.
Murray went on a month-long streak from Mar. 18 to April 19, where he hit over 2.5 threes in 10-of-11 contests.
I successfully recommended taking the over 2.5 at -160 odds for game two and the current line (-145) offers even more value. The number has moved thanks to an uncharacteristic struggle in back-to-back games where he hit the under.
The former 2016 No. 7 pick struggled in games four and five but still saw him attempt six and seven three-pointers. He should bounce back after shooting just 16.7% and 28.9% in those outings.
Minnesota is poor defensively against three-pointers and ranks sixth-worst in the NBA for opponent three-point percentage (36.9%).
Nuggets vs Timberwolves: Can Denver close out the series?
The Nuggets are attempting to qualify for the WCF semifinals for the fourth time in five years. Last season, they were beaten 4-1 in the first round by the Warriors.
Denver is the sixth favorite to lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy at 19/2 odds. The Timberwolves are hanging on by a thread at 500/1.
Denver
With a deep team consisting of back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic, Murray and Michael Porter Jr., it’s championship or bust for the Nuggets.
The organization has never reached the NBA Finals. They’ve reached the Western Conference Finals four times in history but fell to the Lakers three times, as well as the Seattle Supersonics.
Denver Nuggets Injury Report:
Collin Gillespie is out with a leg injury and isn’t expected back until early May.
Denver Nuggets Predicted Starting Lineup:
Jamal Murray, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic
Minnesota
Edwards has been electric for Minnesota, but the young team just isn’t able to compete toe-to-toe with the top seed in the West.
It’ll take a miracle to come back from a 3-1 deficit. Since the NBA Playoffs’ expansion to 16 teams in the 1983–1984 season, just five No. 8 seeds have defeated No. 1 seeds.
Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Report:
Jaylen Nowell is questionable with a knee injury. Kyle Anderson, Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid have all been ruled out.
Minnesota Timberwolves Predicted Starting Lineup:
Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert
Nuggets vs Timberwolves Head-to-Head Record In 2023
Denver leads Minnesota in head-to-head matchups 5-3 this season.
Denver vs Minnesota Game Details
Date & Time: Tuesday, April 25 at 9 p.m. ET
Venue: Ball Arena – Denver, Colorado
Where to watch the match in the UK: Sky Sports (TV), FuboTV or another live stream
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