Nuggets Need Redemption Over Wolves in Game 2
Timberwolves vs Nuggets Spreads, Predictions and More
Timberwolves vs Nuggets spreads are currently Nuggets -5.5 with a total set at 205.5.
Game 2 is set for a Monday night showdown! The Nuggets are starting the series down 0-1 with their backs against the wall early. The Timberwolves have already completed their goal of grabbing one game in Denver and could leave the defending champs with little hope if they steal Game 2 as well.
The Nuggets started this series as -200 favorites to win, the Timberwolves being +170. Now, after losing game one in an upset, the Nuggets are the underdogs, at +115 to win the series , and the Timberwolves are -135. The Nuggets were +260 to win the championship before game one and are now +480. The Timberwolves were +850 to win it all before their big win and are now +600. The oddsmakers are reacting strongly to the game one results, but we aren’t convinced that things are as different as they seem to think. We believe the Nuggets will handle Game 2, so if you like the Nuggets to win the series, you can still grab them at +115 right now, which may be your best timing.
The Nuggets fell Saturday 106-99 to the Timberwolves and had a reality check that this Minnesota team may be the toughest competition they’ve had in the playoffs the last couple of seasons. The Nuggets never fell behind in a series last season on their way to their franchise’s first championship, and the Timberwolves showed that the Nuggets won’t be able to coast at all in this series.
With our Timberwolves vs Nuggets spreads, let’s check out NBA results, and the NBA playoffs bracket, and see what bets we can make to take some NBA free picks.
Timberwolves vs Nuggets 
Records: Minnesota Timberwolves (56-26) @ Denver Nuggets (57-25)
Location: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Day/Time: Streaming: TNT, truTV, HBO Max
MPJ Stepping Up
The Nuggets were led in game one, as always, by Nikola Jokic. Who , despite scoring 32 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds, had a poor shooting night, shooting only 11-of-25 from the field. Jamal Murray also struggled in game one, going scoreless in the first half (the first time in his playoff career), and finished the game with 17 points on 6-of-14 shooting. Michael Porter Jr. helped with 20 points going 4-of-7 from three-point range.
Jamal Murray has been struggling for the Nuggets ever since his return from injury towards the end of the NBA regular season. He has only made more than ten field goals in one game so far these playoffs and has shot over 20 times in every game except game one.
The Nugget that has picked up the most offensive slack these playoffs as Murray has struggled in Michael Porter Jr. MPJ has scored 19 or more points in every game so far these playoffs and has shot quite efficiently from the field. MPJ has exceeded his points over/under in every game this postseason, and with the Timberwolves needing to put a lot of defensive attention on Jokic and Murray, MPJ should continue to see scoring opportunities. His points total is set at 18.5, and his three-pointers made line is at 2.5 (-172). He would have gone over the points line in every playoff game so far and the three-pointers made line in every game but one.
Edwards Awakening
The Timberwolves were fueled Saturday in game one by a career-high from Anthony Edwards, who poured in 43 points and added seven rebounds, two blocks, and a steal to his stat sheet. Minnesota also had important contributions by Karl-Anthony Towns (20 points) and sixth man of the year winner Naz Reid, who scored 16 points in 23 minutes off the bench.
“I’ve seen enough. …[Anthony Edwards] is the best two-way guard in the NBA.” 🏀 @stephenasmith on why he’s picking the Wolves over the Nuggets to win the series after Game 1 😳 pic.twitter.com/w8veJJF4O0
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 5, 2024
Edwards has been on fire so far this postseason, scoring 33 or more points in four of six games, and 40 or more over his last two. We expect the Nuggets to put up a better defensive effort on Edwards in Game 2, but with a line set at 28.5, we wouldn’t be surprised if Edwards hit his over once again.
Nuggets Win, Can They Cover?
Timberwolves vs Nuggets spreads are currently Nuggets -5.5 with a total set at 205.5. We like the Nuggets to win Game 2 and even up the series, but 5.5 points is a lot, especially given the Timberwolves game one performance.
Can Denver weather the storm and even the series? Or will the young Wolves continue their impressive run? Tune in to Game 2 to find out!
Timberwolves vs Nuggets Odds
For NBA picks, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
