Minnesota (43-32) at Denver (47-28)
- When: Apr 1 2025, 10:00 PM
- Where: Ball Arena, Denver, CO, USA
- TV: TNT
NBA Betting Preview: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets
Line: Denver -2.5 | Total: 232.0
Minnesota Timberwolves Outlook
The Timberwolves (43-32) enter Tuesday night’s clash on a two-game winning streak and are locked in a tight Western Conference playoff race, sitting just half a game back of the sixth seed. With seeding implications at stake, Minnesota has embraced a playoff-level intensity — and sometimes, chaos.
Sunday’s physical win over Detroit boiled over into near-fisticuffs, resulting in ejections for Naz Reid and assistant coach Pablo Prigioni. That fire could carry over to Denver, where Minnesota seeks a rare season sweep of the defending champions.
Minnesota has dominated the Nuggets this season, winning all three prior matchups — including two by 20+ points. Anthony Edwards has owned the series, averaging 30.7 points per game against Denver, and he’ll be the focal point again. Expect Edwards to go over 27.5 points, especially given his recent form and his success vs. this opponent.
Julius Randle, contributing 18.8 points per game, is another key piece. He poured in 25 in the March 12 road win in Denver. Naz Reid, typically a bench spark, is posting 14.4 PPG and brings gritty energy — expect him to challenge Denver’s bigs and potentially eclipse 1.5 made threes.
Minnesota hasn’t just won — they’ve covered convincingly. Riding a five-game win streak against Denver (including playoffs), the Wolves are a trendy underdog ATS pick to extend that run.
Denver Nuggets Breakdown
Denver (47-28) might be third in the West, but they’re just barely clinging to that seed. The defending champs have won two straight, bouncing back from a surprising home loss to open their current five-game stand.
Make no mistake — this game matters. The Nuggets have dropped five straight to Minnesota dating back to the playoffs, and head coach Michael Malone has been vocal about his team needing to show more pride and intensity.
Nikola Jokic remains the anchor, averaging a near triple-double (29.3 points, 12.8 boards, 10.2 assists). His usage will be massive in a revenge spot, making over 49.5 points + rebounds + assists a sharp player prop angle.
Jamal Murray, second in team scoring (21.6 PPG), is expected back after practicing Monday. His return could swing the pace and offensive balance back in Denver’s favor, especially with the Nuggets needing all hands on deck to stop Edwards.
Michael Porter Jr., averaging 18.2 PPG, is another X-factor, particularly from deep. With Minnesota likely crowding Jokic, Porter could see clean looks — over 2.5 made threes is a prop worth considering.
Prediction & Best Bets
This one has the feel of a playoff preview. Minnesota has had Denver’s number, but the Nuggets are finally healthy and on their home floor with a chip on their shoulder.
Expect a hard-fought battle, but Denver’s experience and motivation edge this time around.
Final Score Prediction:
Denver 118, Minnesota 112
Best Bets:
Denver -2.5
Under 232.0
Anthony Edwards Over 26.5 Points
Nikola Jokic Over 49.5 Pts+Reb+Ast
Michael Porter Jr. Over 2.5 Threes Made
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
