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The Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves matchup is one of the seven NBA preseason games scheduled for Thursday. This will be both Western Conference playoff contenders’ final preseason game.
The Nuggets are winless in the preseason so far and have gone 0-4. The Timberwolves are 2-2 but are on a two-game losing streak. Expect major minutes for the starters from both teams in this game.
The two teams have faced each other 145 times in the regular season, with Denver holding a lopsided 89-56 lead. The two teams met four times in the regular season in 2023-24 and tied the series 2-2. They also met in the second round of the playoffs, as Minnesota staged a comeback from being down 3-2 to win the series 4-3.
Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves game details and odds
The Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves game is scheduled for 8 p.m. EDT on Thursday, Oct. 17, at Target Center. The game will be broadcast locally on Bally Sports North. It can also be streamed live on NBA League Pass and FuboTV.
Moneyline: Nuggets (-155) vs. Timberwolves (+130)
Spread: Nuggets (-3.5) vs. Timberwolves (+3.5)
Total (O/U): Nuggets -110 (o224.5) vs. Timberwolves -110 (u224.5)
Editor's note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves preview
It’s very unlike Denver to go winless in the preseason but that is where it finds itself heading into the final game. The Nuggets were blown out 124-94 by the OKC Thunder on Tuesday. Though, some of it had to do with Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray not playing. Michael Porter Jr. led the team in their absence with 15 points.
Some of Denver’s struggles could also be linked with the competition it has faced so far. The team began its preseason with two losses against the Boston Celtics in Abu Dhabi. After that, the Nuggets lost to the Phoenix Suns.
The Timberwolves are coming off of a close 125-123 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. Newly acquired Julius Randle played his first game for Minnesota and scored 15 points. He also had six rebounds and five assists. Anthony Edwards had 16 points, while Donte DiVincenzo had 17 points off of the bench.
Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves predicted starting lineups
The Nuggets rested Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook on Tuesday but they should play Thursday. Jamal Murray (knee) and Peyton Watson (hamstring) are day-to-day. In case Murray can’t play, expect coach Mike Malone to start:
PG: Russell Westbrook SG: Christian Braun SF: Michael Porter Jr. PF: Aaron Gordon C: Nikola Jokic
The Timberwolves’ only injury concern is Naz Reid who is dealing with a shoulder impingement. Minnesota coach Chris Finch should start:
PG: Mike Conley SG: Anthony Edwards SF: Jaden McDaniels PF: Julius Randle C: Rudy Gobert
Editor's note: These are the predicted lineups and could change based on the availability of players.
Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves prediction
The oddsmakers favor the Nuggets to finally win a game this preseason. However, if Murray fails to suit up, bet on the Timberwolves to win at home. This should be a high-scoring game with the team total going past 224.5 points.
