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Nuggets vs. Timberwolves schedule: Dates, times, TV channels, scores for 2026 NBA Playoffs first-round series
TL;DR
The Minnesota Timberwolves, seeded No. 6, face the No. 3 seed Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. This series marks their third playoff matchup in four seasons, with the Timberwolves seeking to settle the score after their recent victory over the Nuggets in 2024.
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves schedule: Dates, times, TV channels, scores for 2026 NBA Playoffs first-round series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
As the No. 6 seed Minnesota Timberwolves take on the No. 3 seed Denver Nuggets, this will be a true test of whether the game's young stars are ready to compete with the championship-winning veterans.
The Denver Nuggets cruised to their eighth consecutive playoff berth this season, finishing 54-28 on the back of Nikola Jokic winning both the rebounding and assist titles. While the Timberwolves had a slightly harder path to the playoffs, by the last week of the season, their playoff dreams were never in doubt, finishing seven games above the play-in spot.
These two teams have a recent playoff history as well, with this series marking their third playoff matchup in four seasons. The Nuggets bested the Timberwolves 4-1 in the opening round in 2023, en route to a championship in Denver. Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves got their revenge a season later, however, winning 4-3 in the conference semi-finals.
Now, in 2026, this is the tiebreaker series. With a few more seasons of experience for a young Timberwolves team, can they once again defeat the Nuggets? Or will the higher-seeded veterans come back after a tough loss last time out?
Here's what you need to know to watch Nuggets vs. Timberwolves, including broadcast information and start times.
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves schedule
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 18 | Game 1 at Denver | 3:30 p.m. | Prime Video |
| April 20 | Game 2 at Denver | 10:30 p.m. | NBC/Peacock |
| April 23 | Game 3 at Minnesota | 9:30 p.m. | Prime Video |
| April 25 | Game 4 at Minnesota | 8:30 p.m. | ABC |
| TBA | Game 5* at Minnesota | TBA | TBA |
| TBA | Game 6* at Denver | TBA | TBA |
| TBA | Game 7* at Denver | TBA | TBA |
* If necessary
Where to watch Nuggets vs. Timberwolves: TV channel, live stream
- **TV channels:**NBC, ABC
- Live streams:DIRECTV | ESPN app | Peacock | Prime Video
The Nuggets vs. Timberwolves series will air across multiple platforms thanks to the NBA's expanded broadcast deal, which will see games split among the ESPN networks, NBC and Peacock, and Prime Video.
Games on ABC, ESPN networks and NBC can be streamed live on DIRECTV, which offers a free trial to new users.
Fans can also turn to the streaming homes for each broadcast partner — Prime Video, Peacock or the ESPN app — for games on those platforms.
NBA Playoffs bracket 2026
Click here for the updated 2026 NBA Playoffs bracket from The Sporting News.
NBA Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2026
Here are the key dates to know for the NBA Playoffs and offseason.
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| Play-In Tournament | April 14-17 |
| First round begins | April 18 |
| Conference semifinals begin | May 4* |
| NBA Draft Lottery | May 10 |
| Eastern Conference finals begin | May 19* |
| Western Conference finals begin | May 20* |
| NBA Finals begin | June 3 |
| NBA Finals Game 7 (if necessary) | June 19 |
* Can move up depending on earlier series
Related Links
Q&A
What are the dates and times for the Nuggets vs. Timberwolves playoff games in 2026?
The specific dates and times for the games in the Nuggets vs. Timberwolves playoff series will be announced closer to the start of the playoffs.
What TV channels will broadcast the Nuggets vs. Timberwolves playoff series?
The playoff games will be broadcast on national sports networks, but the exact channels will be confirmed as the series approaches.
What is the playoff history between the Nuggets and Timberwolves?
The Nuggets and Timberwolves have faced each other in the playoffs three times in four seasons, with the Nuggets winning 4-1 in 2023 and the Timberwolves winning 4-3 in 2024.
Who are the key players to watch in the 2026 Nuggets vs. Timberwolves series?
Key players include Nikola Jokic for the Nuggets and Anthony Edwards for the Timberwolves, both of whom have had significant impacts in previous matchups.
