Nuggets vs. Timberwolves prediction, odds, line: 2023 NBA playoff picks, Game 2 bets from model on 71-37 run
Game 2 of the first-round matchup between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets takes place on Wednesday night. Denver is the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and has dominated at home, logging a 34-7 record in the regular season. On the flip side, Minnesota is the eighth seed in the 2023 NBA playoffs and was inconsistent on the road, going 20-21. Nikola Jokic (wrist) is questionable for Denver. Rudy Gobert (back) is questionable for Minnesota, while Jaden McDaniels (hand) and Naz Reid (wrist) are out.
Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET at Ball Arena in Denver. Caesars Sportsbook lists the Nuggets as 8.5-point favorites in the latest Timberwolves vs. Nuggets odds. The over/under for total points is 221.5. Before making any Nuggets vs. Timberwolves picks, you need to see the NBA playoff predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's advanced computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past four-plus seasons. The model enters the second week of the 2023 NBA playoffs a stunning 71-37 on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning nearly $3,000. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Timberwolves vs. Nuggets and just locked in its picks and NBA playoff predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Nuggets vs. Timberwolves:
- Timberwolves vs. Nuggets spread: Denver -8.5
- Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Over-Under: 221.5 points
- Timberwolves vs. Nuggets money line: Denver -365, Minnesota +285
- MIN: Timberwolves are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 Wednesday games
- DEN: Nuggets are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 Wednesday games
- Timberwolves vs. Nuggets picks: See picks at SportsLine
Featured Game| Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Why the Nuggets can cover
Center Jokic (questionable) is such an impactful presence on the floor. Jokic is a menace on the boards and is an exceptional playmaker for a near-7-footer. The two-time MVP runs a calm pace and is able to dominate his man. Jokic finished the campaign second in rebounds (11.8), third in assists (9.8) with 24.5 points per game. In Game 1, he totaled 13 points, 14 boards, and six dimes.
Forward Aaron Gordon is an elite athlete who is constantly soaring to the basket for dunks and to snag boards. The Arizona product can be an asset from 3-point land as well, giving Denver another floor spacer. Gordon averaged 16.3 points and 6.6 boards per game in the regular season. On Sunday, he tallied 13 points, five rebounds, and two 3-pointers. See which side to back at SportsLine.
Why the Timberwolves can cover
Guard Mike Conley is a veteran playmaker who creates offense well for his teammates and has good handles to break down defenders. The Ohio State product also spaces the floor with a reliable jumper. He averaged 11.9 points and 6.7 assists per game during the regular season. On April 14 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Conley finished with 14 points, three assists, and three steals.
Center Gobert (questionable) is a defensive anchor down low for Minnesota. Gobert is a stout shot-blocker and rebounder due to his long arms hovering over defenders. The three-time All-Star was fourth in the NBA in rebounds (11.6) with 13.4 points and 1.4 blocks per game during the regular season. On April 8 versus the San Antonio Spurs, he logged 10 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks. See which side to back at SportsLine.
How to make Timberwolves vs. Nuggets picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total, projecting the teams to combine for 225 points. The model also says one side hits almost 70% of the time. You can only get the pick at SportsLine.
