Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets Series Preview and Prediction
After a fierce five-game epic match between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers, the teams progressed to the NBA playoffs' second round. What did they get in return? The Minnesota Timberwolves are among the hottest teams in the NBA playoffs thus far. Minnesota faced off in the opening round against the Phoenix Suns and their formidable trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. A coin-toss series was anticipated. Many questioned if the six-seeded Suns' star power would be enough to pull off an upset in the opening round. Rather, in four rather non-competitive games, Minnesota destroyed Phoenix. Now that they have defeated the reigning champs, the Timberwolves are playing confidently. With the two teams splitting the regular season at two games apiece, we should be in for a long, entertaining series.
How the Wolves Can Beat the Champs
This squad is the most evenly matched versus Denver overall. The Timberwolves can threaten the Nuggets thanks to their size and defense skills. Against reigning Finals MVP Nikola Jokic, Rudy Gobert, the NBA's most probable Defensive Player of the Year, is undoubtedly the greatest conceivable matchup. Karl-Anthony Towns, another seven-foot player from Minnesota, can compete with the two-time MVP. Denver's Jamal Murray in the first round caused the Los Angeles Lakers some difficulties, although he was spared from facing a 6’9 wing defender such as Jaden McDaniels. With Jokic and Murray in a powerful pick-and-roll, Minnesota has the size to counter that.
How the Nuggets Can Get to Conference Finals Again
With a 33-8 record, Denver had the second-best home record in the NBA this year. With three victories at home in the first round, that success persisted. During their first-round matchup with Minnesota the previous year, the Denver Nuggets shot 38.9% from three-point range. Jokic will succeed inside the hoop, but against a team like Minnesota's that limits its points allowed in the paint, it's critical to create and convert quality outside shots. With the Wolves being the deeper team, it is pivotal the Nugget's role players play at a high level.
Prediction:
In the first-round encounter with the Nuggets last year, Edwards averaged 31.6 points. If he can replicate that feat, the current champions may have difficulties. While Minnesota has Nickeil Alexander-Walker as an additional starter and Naz Reid as the Sixth Man of the Year, Denver exclusively trusts its starting lineup. It’s hard to go against the defending champs and their two stars. Although Minnesota has a stronger defense and greater depth, Denver possesses a court advantage. With all that being said, I have the Wolves winning seven games.
