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Nuggets-Timberwolves series is a war of attrition — and both teams are losing the battle
TL;DR
The Denver Nuggets trail the Minnesota Timberwolves 3-1 in the playoffs, facing elimination. Both teams are struggling with injuries, notably Anthony Edwards for the Timberwolves.
Key points
- Nuggets trail Timberwolves 3-1 in playoffs
- Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo injured
- Nuggets must win three straight games to advance
- Potential second round opponent is San Antonio Spurs
- Nuggets host Games 5 and 7
Denver NuggetsMinnesota TimberwolvesNikola JokićAnthony Edwards
Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets, one of few legitimate title contenders, are on the brink of elimination in the first round of these playoffs.
They trail the Minnesota Timberwolves, another championship contender, 3-1 in a best-of-seven set. Except, the Wolves lost both Anthony Edwards (left knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (right Achilles) to injury over the course of Saturday’s 112-96 win.
Which begs the question: Do either of these teams have what it takes to win a title?
Either team would have to, most likely, march through the San Antonio Spurs in the second round and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference finals, just for the opportunity to compete in the NBA Finals for a title. It is no easy road to hoe.
What is required for the Nuggets? Beating these Wolves three times in a row, which is possible, especially in the absence of Edwards. He is expected to miss multiple weeks after hyperextending his left knee in the third quarter of Saturday’s victory. Denver hosts Games 5 and 7. It will necessitate wins in both and a single road win over the depleted Wolves. Denver will be favored in each of the remaining matchups.
But the Nuggets’ defense, which rated 21st in the regular season, allowing 116 points per 100 possessions, did not look title-worthy all season. It was better, operating at a top-10 level, when Aaron Gordon was on the court. He was supposed to propel their playoff success, but Gordon is battling a calf injury that kept him out of Game 3 of this series.
Q&A
What is the current series score between the Nuggets and Timberwolves?
The Nuggets are trailing the Timberwolves 3-1 in the playoff series.
What injuries are affecting the Timberwolves in the playoffs?
Anthony Edwards has a left knee injury, and Donte DiVincenzo has a right Achilles injury.
What do the Nuggets need to do to stay in the playoffs?
The Nuggets need to win three consecutive games against the Timberwolves to avoid elimination.
Who are the potential opponents for the winner of the Nuggets-Timberwolves series?
The winner would likely face the San Antonio Spurs in the second round and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference finals.
