The Denver Nuggets (57-25) travel to face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves (56-26) on Sunday, May 12th. This game will be played at Target Center in Minneapolis and televised on TNT. The Nuggets are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Timberwolves are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Timberwolves. Tip-off is set for 8:00 ET.
Nuggets vs Timberwolves
Thanks to a 37-25 third quarter, the Nuggets pulled away from the Timberwolves in the last game of this series, winning 117-90. Denver was actually a 3.5-point underdog heading into the game, so they covered the spread by 23.5 points. The game also just surpassed the over/under line of 205 points.
Denver’s defense was excellent in this game, holding the Timberwolves to just 43.7% shooting and 10 made threes. On the other side, the Nuggets shot 53.8% from the field and made 14 threes. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray each had 24 points for the Nuggets, and Jokic added 14 rebounds and 9 assists. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 19 points.
Nuggets Offense Breakdown
Denver’s offense is averaging 114.9 points per game this season, which is 15th in the league. They have been a little better at home, with an average of 116.5 points per contest. Overall, they have outscored the league average in 50% of their games. The Nuggets are one of the most efficient shooting teams in the league, with a field goal percentage of 49%.
Nikola Jokic is averaging 26 points, 14.4 rebounds, and 9.8 assists in his last five games. Over his last five, Michael Porter Jr. has hit 48.6% of his threes and is averaging 3.6 made threes per game. Jamal Murray is averaging 21.2 points per game for the season but just 20.6 in his last five games.
Timberwolves Offense Breakdown
Minnesota comes into the game as the NBA’s 18th-ranked scoring offense, at 113 points per game. Their home scoring average is just 111.5 points per contest, which is 24th in the league. Looking at their pace, the Timberwolves are 23rd in the league, averaging 97 possessions per game.
Anthony Edwards has been playing well of late, averaging 33 points per game over his last five games. In these games, he shot 57% from the field. This season, he is averaging 25.9 points per game. Karl-Anthony Towns has hit 3.2 threes per game over his last five games, connecting on 64% of his looks from downtown. For the season, he is averaging 21.8 points and 8.3 rebounds.
Nuggets Team Defense
When it comes to scoring, the Nuggets have been one of the best defenses in the league this season, ranking 6th in points per game allowed at 109.1. In their last five games, they have been even better, ranking 9th in points allowed at 105.4.
One area where the Nuggets have been particularly stingy is from beyond the arc. On the season, they are 2nd in three-point shooting percentage allowed (35.1%). Over their last five games, they have held opponents to just 34% shooting from deep.
Overall, opponents have scored less than their season average in 80.5% of games against the Nuggets this season. They have also made fewer threes than their season average in 76.8% of games vs. Denver.
Timberwolves Team Defense
When it comes to defense, the Minnesota Timberwolves have been the best in the NBA this season, allowing just 106.1 points per game. They have been especially tough on opposing offenses at home, giving up just 103.6 points per contest, which is also tops in the league.
Overall, opponents have scored less than their season average in 79.3% of games against Minnesota, and just 29.3% of teams have scored more than their average vs. the Timberwolves.
One area where Minnesota has been particularly stingy is inside the arc, as they are giving up just 50.7% shooting on two-point attempts, which is also the best mark in the NBA.
Key Players For The Nuggets And Timberwolves
The outlook for today’s matchup points to Nikola Jokic as the primary point contributor for the Nuggets, finishing with 27 points while maintaining a 11/18 shooting accuracy. Throughout this season, his average stands at 26.4 points per game, along with 12.4 rebounds.
On the opposing side, we anticipate Anthony Edwards to be the top scorer for the Timberwolves. Our projection has him finishing the game with 26, and he is expected to secure 6 rebounds. For the season, he has a field goal percentage of 46.1% and is averaging 25.9 points per contest.
Nuggets vs Timberwolves Trends
- When looking at their past ten road matchups, Denver has an ATS record of 4-6 while averaging 112 per game. The team went 6-4 overall in these games.
- In their last ten games at home, the Timberwolves have a straight up record of 8-2 while going 8-2 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 112 points per game in these contests.
- The Nuggets have played well in their last five games as the betting underdog, going 4-1 straight up and 4-1 against the spread.
- Going back to their last ten games as the favorite, the Timberwolves have a straight up record of 7-3. But, their mark vs the spread was just 4-6.
Nuggets vs Timberwolves Prediction
When looking to get a point-spread pick down in this Nuggets vs. Timberwolves game, our recommendation is to take the Nuggets at +2.5. Despite our model showing the Timberwolves winning 113-112, we like Nuggets as our point-spread pick.
Right now, the over/under line for the game is sitting at 204.5 and given that our model is projecting 225 points between the teams, we like the over.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:May 12, 2024 Minnesota Timberwolves, Nuggets