Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 15/05/2024, 16:19  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 15/05/2024 at 22:53 in NBA Predictions

Game 6 of the second round in the NBA Playoffs between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves is set to get underway at Target Center on Thursday night. After losing the first two games, the Nuggets have bounced back in fine style and now lead the series 3-2. 

The reigning champions secured a 112-97 victory over the Timberwolves in Game 5 and now have an opportunity to close out the series in Game 6 on Thursday night in Minneapolis. Center Nikola Jokic, recently crowned the NBA's Most Valuable Player, delivered an outstanding performance, finishing the game with 40 points, seven rebounds, and 13 assists while shooting an impressive 68% from the field. The Joker set the tone for the Nuggets with 12 points in the first quarter and consistently responded to every Timberwolves surge, ensuring the Nuggets maintained control on their home court. On the defensive end, the Nuggets effectively contained Anthony Edwards by doubling him every time he had possession, limiting him to 18 points on 5-for-15 shooting. If they can replicate this defensive strategy in the upcoming game, it bodes well for their chances of advancing to a conference finals meeting with either the Mavericks or the Thunder.

For the Timberwolves, the equation is straightforward: a win would force a seventh game, while a loss would mark the end of their playoff journey for the year. In Game 5, multiple Timberwolves players scored in double-digits, but the team lagged behind in three-pointers and free throws. Power forward Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 23 points, and center Rudy Gobert secured a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. However, they struggled to contain Jokic, who dominated against any defender tasked with guarding him. With Edwards neutralized by a tight defense, the Timberwolves couldn't muster the same level of performance as Games 1 and 2. Yet, their success hinges on finding a way to contain Jokic, though that task proves challenging in practice. Compounding their problems, the Timberwolves entered the game without their leader and point guard Mike Conley, whose availability for the critical matchup remains uncertain.