Sunday’s 11-game slate in the NBA is headlined in part by an afternoon showdown on ABC between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets. It is a crucial contest for playoff positioning in the Western Conference, as the two teams are tied for fourth place in the standings with twin 37-23 records.
Let’s dive into my Timberwolves vs. Nuggets prediction.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets odds
Money line: Timberwolves +130 / Nuggets -155
Spread: Timberwolves +2.5 (-104) / Nuggets -2.5 (-115)
Total: Over 239.5 (-108) / Under 239.5 (-112)
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets best bet: Nuggets -2.5 (-115)
The Nuggets have prevailed in all three of the previous head-to-head matchups between these two West rivals this season. They won 127-114 in Minnesota on October 27, 123-112 in Minnesota on November 15, and 142-138 (OT) at home on Christmas. Although Minnesota is 5-1 in its last six games, it got hammered 135-108 at home by Philly last Sunday. What’s even more concerning for the T-Wolves is that Julius Randle is questionable because of back spasms. Randle is averaging 21.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, so his absence would be sizable.
Containing Nikola Jokic in the paint would be especially problematic for the visitors without Randle, and Jokic is especially hot right now. He has scored 30 points or more in three of the last four games and just delivered another triple-double against OKC on Friday (23 points, 17 rebounds, 14 assists). The three-time NBA MVP is averaging 36.0 ppg, 15.7 rpg, and 12.0 apg in three games against MIN so far this season.
Denver is 3-1 against the spread in its last four overall and 3-0 ATS in the last three head-to-head encounters. Minnesota 2-8 ATS in its last 10 overall and 0-4 ATS in its last four road games.