Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves Picks and Predictions April 1st 2025

Timberwolves Bring Fight to Denver as They Face the Nuggets

The Minnesota Timberwolves have made it clear that they’re not backing down as they continue their fight for a spot in the Western Conference playoffs. After a heated game against the Detroit Pistons, the Timberwolves (43-32) head to Denver to face the Nuggets on Tuesday night. With the postseason quickly approaching, Minnesota is looking to keep up their aggressive edge and secure another crucial win as they battle for seeding.

Timberwolves’ Fight for Playoff Position

Minnesota has been on a mission to climb the ranks of the Western Conference, and with only seven games left in the regular season, every game counts. They’re currently just half a game behind Golden State for the sixth seed, which would allow them to avoid the play-in tournament. To stay out of that scenario, the Timberwolves know they have to win, and their recent win over Detroit proved they’re willing to fight for every point.

The game against the Pistons wasn’t just about basketball—it got personal. A foul on Minnesota’s Naz Reid sparked a physical altercation, with Reid and Donte DiVincenzo ejected, along with assistant coach Pablo Prigioni. Coach Chris Finch expressed that he had a feeling the game was going to get heated, but he hopes his team can carry that fiery attitude into the next game against Denver.

“I’ve been in enough basketball games to kind of feel this coming,” Finch said. “Two guys went at it and spilled over into the crowd, which is dangerous… Just kept escalating and escalating, mostly from their side.”

The Timberwolves have a strong chance to continue their run against the Nuggets. They’ve already beaten Denver in their first three matchups this season, and they have a chance to make it five wins in a row, including last season’s playoffs.

Key Players to Watch for Minnesota: Edwards and Randle

Anthony Edwards has been on fire this season, and his performances against the Nuggets have been particularly impressive. The 21-year-old guard leads the Timberwolves with an average of 27.2 points per game and has posted an average of 30.7 points in their previous three games against Denver. His ability to score at will has made him a consistent offensive weapon for Minnesota, and Denver will need to find a way to slow him down.

Julius Randle, who is second on the team with 18.8 points per game, has also stepped up in big moments. He scored 25 points in the March 12 win over Denver, contributing significantly to their dominance in that matchup. Reid, who adds another 14.4 points per game, has been an underrated piece of Minnesota’s success. If he can continue to contribute offensively, the Timberwolves will be tough to beat.

The Timberwolves have been dominating the Nuggets in recent matchups, winning by 29 points and 20 points in their last two games. This commanding performance has given them plenty of confidence heading into the contest in Denver.

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Denver Nuggets: Looking for Redemption

On the other hand, the Denver Nuggets (47-28) are also in the hunt for a better playoff position, but their task is becoming more difficult. The Nuggets are clinging to a slim lead over the Los Angeles Lakers for the third seed in the Western Conference, so every game matters. They’ve struggled in recent matchups against the Timberwolves, and after losing five straight to them—including the playoff series last year—the Nuggets are desperate to reverse that trend.

“We just got to play harder, whether it’s a rivalry or not. I don’t care who you’re playing,” said Nuggets coach Michael Malone. “If you’re playing St. Buzzies and they beat you five times in a row, sometimes your pride’s got to kick in.”

Denver started their five-game homestand with a loss but bounced back to win the next two. Their performance against the Timberwolves will be key in finishing this stretch on a high note. The Nuggets know that they can’t afford another loss to Minnesota, as it would seriously hurt their chances for playoff positioning.

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Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic: Keys to Denver’s Success

For Denver to get the win, they’ll need their stars to shine. Jamal Murray, who missed Friday’s win against Utah due to a tight hamstring, has been critical to the Nuggets’ success this season. He averages 21.6 points per game and will be vital in helping Denver keep pace with Minnesota’s high-powered offense. Murray practiced on Monday, so his presence on the court could be a major factor in the Nuggets’ chances.

Nikola Jokic, the reigning two-time MVP, continues to be the heart and soul of Denver’s offense. Averaging 29.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game, Jokic is once again in the MVP conversation and remains one of the most dominant players in the league. His versatility as both a scorer and playmaker makes him a constant threat to opposing defenses, and the Timberwolves will need to put extra focus on slowing him down.

Michael Porter Jr., who averages 18.2 points per game, is another key player for the Nuggets. His scoring ability on the wing will provide additional firepower for Denver as they look to overcome their recent struggles against Minnesota.

What’s at Stake for Both Teams?

For the Timberwolves, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A win against Denver would further solidify their place in the playoff race and give them another confidence boost as they aim for a higher seeding. With the Western Conference so tightly packed, a loss could push them closer to the play-in tournament, which would make their path to the postseason much more difficult.

For the Nuggets, a victory would not only help maintain their hold on the third seed but also give them a much-needed redemption against the team that eliminated them last season. Denver can’t afford to take this game lightly, as every loss brings them closer to falling behind in the standings.

A Physical and Intense Game Ahead

This matchup is set to be a battle, both physically and mentally. With the Timberwolves’ fiery attitude and the Nuggets’ determination to avoid another loss to their rivals, expect a high-energy and competitive game. Both teams will need to bring their best basketball if they hope to leave with a crucial victory as the regular season winds down.