There were not a lot of gamblers giving the Minnesota Timberwolves a chance against the Denver Nuggets in their first round playoff series. Following Denver’s NBA betting blowout win and cover, no one is left for Minnesota. Denver made a championship flex that impressed everyone. Including Wise Guys not thrilled about the massive Denver price. Minnesota is a play-in-round survivor. In comparison, Denver is the top seed in the Western Conference. And that showed in the first game of this series. At the beginning of the 2023 NBA Playoffs, Denver opened as the Western chalk.
2023 NBA Playoffs First Round Series Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
| Date and Time: | Wednesday, April 19, 2023, 10 P.M. ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Ball Arena, Denver, CO. |
| TV Coverage: | TN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timberwolves | +8½ (-110) | 223½ (-110) | +290 |  |
| Nuggets | -8½ (-110) | 223½ (-110) | -360 | |
| ||||
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves SBG Odds Overview
It is true that the Denver Nuggets carry an expensive online betting price tag. But the question is more about reality than price and value. There is no value in a loser. Regardless of the odds. And nobody wants to step into Denver with this imploding Minnesota club.
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Series Schedule
All times listed are Eastern. (* – if necessary)
- Game 1: Nuggets 109, Timberwolves 80
- Game 2: Timberwolves at Nuggets, Wednesday, April 19 (10 p.m., TNT)
- Game 3: Nuggets at Timberwolves, Friday, April 21 (9:30 p.m., ESPN)
- Game 4: Nuggets at Timberwolves, Sunday, April 23 (9:30 p.m., TNT)
- Game 5: Timberwolves at Nuggets, Tuesday, April 25 (TBD)*
- Game 6: Nuggets at Timberwolves, Thursday, April 27 (TBD)*
- Game 7: Timberwolves at Nuggets, Saturday, April 29 (TBD)*
Minnesota Timberwolves Team Overview
The Minnesota Timberwolves are 42-40 straight up, 40-42 against the spread, and 38-43-1 over/under the total. Late on, Minnesota has covered three out of their last five games. While the Wolves have gone under the total in three of its previous four matchups.
Minnesota has NBA betting metrics of 13th for scoring offense, 3rd for field goal percentage, 13th for 3-point field goal percentage, 24th for free throw percentage, and 23rd for offensive rebounding. In comparison on defense, the Timberwolves have NBA metrics of 18th for scoring defense, 11th for field goal percentage permitted, 24th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 22nd for defensive rebounding.
Denver Nuggets Team Overview
The Denver Nuggets are 53-29 straight up, 45-37 against the spread, and 37-44-1 over/under the total. Late on, Denver has covered four out of their last six games. In comparison, the Nuggets have gone under the total in nine of its previous 11 matchups.
Denver has NBA metrics of 12th for scoring offense, 1st for field goal percentage, 4th for 3-point field goal percentage, 26th for free throw percentage, and 19th for offensive rebounding. In comparison on defense, the Nuggets have NBA metrics of 8th for scoring defense, 20th for field goal percentage permitted, 3rd for 3-point field goal percentage allowed and 1st for defensive rebounding.
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Game 1 Review
Jamal Murray overcame some early jitters to have 24 points and eight assists in his first playoff game since the 2020 NBA bubble. In turn, the top-seeded Denver Nuggets routed the Minnesota Timberwolves 109-80 in game one. Additionally, Nikola Jokic added 13 points, 14 rebounds, and a half dozen assists in 28 minutes as Denver snapped a five-game skid in playoff openers.
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves SBG Free Pick
As mentioned earlier, Minnesota is outclassed in this series. The big price can’t offset the lack of ability.
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves SBG Best Bet: Denver Nuggets.