Timberwolves vs. Nuggets – NBA Playoffs, Game 2 predictions: Odds, stats, trends and best bets for April 20

TL;DR

The Denver Nuggets aim for a 2-0 lead against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of their playoff series after winning Game 1, 116-105. Key players include Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray for Denver, while Anthony Edwards leads Minnesota.

Key points

Nuggets lead series 1-0 after winning Game 1, 116-105
Jamal Murray scored 30 points and Nikola Jokic had a triple-double
Denver shot 90.9% from the free-throw line in Game 1
Minnesota has never won a series after losing the first two games
Nuggets aim for 14th straight win dating back to March 20

Denver NuggetsMinnesota TimberwolvesNikola JokicJamal Murray

Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets look to take a 2-0 series lead tonight in their first round series against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Nuggets took the series opener, 116-105. The Nuggets outscored Minnesota 68-46 over the second and third quarters, building a lead as large as 15 points. The Wolves led by 10 after the first quarter but the game was tied at the half. Edwards and co. cut the Nuggets’ lead down to 97-95 with 6:23 to go, but would never get closer. Jamal Murray (30 points, 16/16 FT) and Jokic (25 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists) led the way for Denver. Murray has now scored at least 30 points in 20 career playoff games. Edwards scored 22 points but was just 7-19 from the field.

A deeper dive into the numbers from Game 1 and the difference in the game really came down to free throws. Denver shot 30/33 from the line (90.9%) while Minnesota was 14/19 (73.7%). This matched each team’s reg. season trend as the Nuggets had the fourth-most FTA/gm in the NBA (25.8) and the Timberwolves committed the third-most fouls per game (21.2). Those percentages also fall in line with the teams’ regular season numbers. Denver had the fifth-best FT% in the league (80.8%) while Minnesota had the second worst (75.2%).

The win in Game 1 was Denver’s 13th straight dating back to March 20. The franchise record is 15 straight in 2013.

A couple of additional numbers to note:

The Nuggets have won seven of the last eight series in which they won Game 1.
Denver is 8-0 all-time in a seven-game series in which they win the first two games.
Minnesota is 0-8 all-time in a seven-game series in which they have lost the first two games.
The Timberwolves did rally to win a 2023 first round series against the Nuggets after falling behind 2-0, but it was a five-game series.

Lets take a closer look at tonight’s matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of

Q&A

What were the key stats from Game 1 of the Timberwolves vs. Nuggets playoff series?

In Game 1, the Nuggets shot 90.9% from the free-throw line and outscored the Timberwolves 68-46 in the second and third quarters.

How does Denver's playoff performance compare to Minnesota's in Game 1?

Denver has won seven of the last eight series when winning Game 1, while Minnesota has never won a seven-game series after losing the first two games.

What is the historical significance of Denver winning Game 1 in the playoffs?

Denver is 8-0 all-time in seven-game series when winning the first two games, while Minnesota is 0-8 in the same scenario.

Who were the standout players in Game 1 between the Timberwolves and Nuggets?

Jamal Murray scored 30 points and Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double with 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists in Game 1.