Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets Odds, Picks & Predictions - Game 5
A pair of Northwest Division squads continue their first-round series on the floor in the Mile-High City as the Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Denver Nuggets in Game 5 of their best-of-seven series Monday night and we break down the Timberwolves vs. Nuggets matchup here. These teams opened their first-round series in Denver Saturday afternoon with the Nuggets picking up a 116-105 home victory. They covered the line as a seven-point favorite in that contest. Minnesota evened the series with a 119-114 road win Monday, winning outright as a 7.5-point underdog.
In Game 3, Minnesota stifled Denver, picking up a 113-96 win Thursday night at home. They easily covered the 1.5-point line in the contest. Minnesota followed up with a 112-96 win at home Saturday, winning outright as a 1.5-point underdog, for a 3-1 series lead.
In the all-time playoff history between the teams, Minnesota has taken two of the three playoff series previously. Their win in Game 3 gave them a 12-9 advantage in head-to-head playoff victories. Let’s break down this Timberwolves vs. Nuggets matchup.
Timberwolves Try to Advance Despite Injuries
Minnesota put together a solid second half after a pair of devastating injuries in Game 4 to earn the win. The Timberwolves own a 3-1 series advantage and try to close things out here though they’ll be missing pieces. In Game 3, Minnesota trailed by four at the half before turning the tables after intermission. The Timberwolves outscored the Nuggets 62-42 in the second half to earn the victory. Ayo Dosunmu led Minnesota with 43 points off the bench in the win. Minnesota lost Donte DiVincenzo and Anthony Edwards to injuries in the contest.
In the playoffs, Minnesota is 4th in the league in scoring offense with 112.3 points per game. The Timberwolves stand 1st in the league in rebounding by pulling down 48.8 boards a contest. They are tied for 2nd in assists by handing out 26 dimes a contest. Minnesota has been below average on the defensive end of the floor as they are 8th in scoring defense by allowing 105.5 points per game. Anthony Edwards is second on the team in scoring as he averages 18.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per contest. Julius Randle (17.5 points, 7.8 rebounds) is a solid secondary scoring option. Ayo Dosunmu leads the team with 22.3 points per game.
The Timberwolves are 6th in the league in field goal percentage as they hit 46.2% from the floor. Minnesota is 13th by splashing 10.8 three-pointers a night. They are 8th in three-point shooting by hitting 33.9% from beyond the arc. The Timberwolves are a below average team at the charity stripe. They are 7th by converting 77.1% of their attempts on the year.
Key Injury Report for Timberwolves:
- Guard Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) is out.
- Guard Anthony Edwards (knee) is out.
Nuggets Seeking to Force Game 6
Denver took the opening game of the series but has dropped three straight contests to find themselves facing a 3-1 series deficit. The Nuggets need a win here or their season comes to an unceremonious end. In Game 3, Denver led by as many as seven in the contest and held a four-point edge at the half before things crumpled. The Nuggets were thoroughly outplayed in the second half, getting outscored 62-42, to wind up on the wrong end of the scoreboard. Jamal Murray led Denver with 30 points in the loss. Nikola Jokic chipped in 24 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists.
In the postseason, Denver is 9th in the league in scoring offense with an average of 105.5 points per game this season. The Nuggets are 10th in rebounding by collecting 42 boards per contest. They are 10th by dishing out an average of 22 assists a night. Denver stands 13th in scoring defense as they give up an average of 112.3 points a night. Nikola Jokic is second on the team in scoring with 25 points, 14.5 rebounds and 7.8 assists a night this season. Jamal Murray (26.5 points, 5.8 assists) and Aaron Gordon (11.3 points, 5.3 rebounds) provide secondary scoring punch.
The Nuggets are 15th in the league in field goal percentage as they shoot 40.1% from the floor. Denver is 15th as they connect on 9.8 three-pointers a night. The team is 16th in the league as they knock down 28.5% of their attempts from beyond the arc. The Nuggets are 2nd in the league in free throw shooting as they cash in 83.2% of their attempts on the season.
Key Injury Report for Nuggets:
- Guard Peyton Watson (hamstring) is out.
- Forward Aaron Gordon (calf) is questionable.
New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5+ Get $100 in Bonus Bets Instantly! Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Prediction
Minnesota has won three straight and played a stellar second half in Game 4. That was without DiVincenzo and Edwards though it’s one thing to thrive in the heat of the moment. It’s another to do it when the dust has settled and the smoke has cleared. Playing at altitude in a place like Denver is a different story than playing at home. Minnesota is going to be shorthanded with their starting backcourt down for the rest of this series. The Timberwolves might still win this series but Denver won’t go down at home. Denver takes advantage of the injury issues for the Timberwolves and live to see another day.
Our Prediction: Nuggets -10.5 (DraftKings, -115)
Deposit first $5+ cash bet, get $150 in Bonus Bets
-
We Completed SweepsRoyal Evoplay Quest - Here is everything you need to know
-
Best NBA Player Props Today: Maxey Shines in Key Matchup
-
Best NHL Prop Bets & Anytime Goal Scorer Picks Saturday
-
MLB Today’s Best Bets for 05/10: Home Run Picks & Top Player Props
-
Knicks Can Sweep 76ers and Move One Step From the NBA Finals
-
Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild Odds, Picks & Prediction - Game 3