Timberwolves vs Nuggets Game 1 Odds, Picks & Same-Game Parlay

The final first round series to to tip off is between the Timberwolves (43-41, 20-22 away) and Nuggets (53-29, 34-7 home) who get things going at 10:30 pm ET on Sunday, April 16th from Ball Arena.

With one of the top contenders in the NBA MVP odds, Nikola Jokic, missing several games down the stretch, the Nuggets limped to the finish line in the regular season, losing five of their last seven contests.

It will be a full week off between games for Denver, while Minnesota had to compete in two play-in tournament games in the last week to earn the No. 8 seed in the NBA playoff bracket. See the Timberwolves vs Nuggets below for a game you can watch on TNT.

Timberwolves vs Nuggets Odds

Not surprisingly, the Nuggets are 7.5-point home favorites to take the edge in the series with a Game 1 victory. All four games between these two during the regular season went over 224.5 points, the current total in the NBA betting line for this one.

Odds as of April 15th from FanDuel. Unlock the FanDuel promo code to bet on this game.

Gobert and Anderson Overcome Squabble

After choking away a double-digit fourth-quarter lead in the 7 vs 8 game against the Lakers, things looked ominous for the Timberwolves. Rudy Gobert was suspended by the team for that contest after punching teammate Kyle Anderson during a dispute in the last game of the regular season.

The Minnesota brass decided to allow The Stifle Tower back into the fold for their one-game elimination and boy did it pay dividends. Imposing his presence from the jump, Gobert had 21 points and 10 rebounds in his return from exile in a 120-95 demolition of the Thunder.

Although they have a tough draw against the West’s best, the T-Wolves more than held their own against the Nuggets this season, splitting the season series at two wins apiece.

Timberwolves vs Nuggets Results This Season

Going back to last season, the Timberwolves have covered the spread in six of their last seven head-to-head meetings with Denver.

Will Extra Rest Help or Hurt Nuggets in Game 1?

For the Nuggets in Game 1, how they play may be a question of rest vs rust. Sometimes that may be a problem, but for this Denver squad, a week off should be a huge benefit.

The usually durable Jokic sat out a number of games down the stretch with a calf injury, so the week off couldn’t come at a more perfect time. Running mate Jamal Murray has also been dealing with a right thumb issue and while it may be taped up, there doesn’t appear to be much concern on Denver’s side.

At home, Denver put up an awesome 34-7 mark this year, 2nd best in the NBA next to the Grizzlies. When hosting this season, Denver was 26-15 against the spread in the NBA odds, covering 63.4% of the time.

Timberwolves vs Nuggets Prediction

Having finished as the top seed in the West, you’d expect the Nuggets to get a bit more respect in the NBA Championship odds, but they’re currently listed at +1000, the 3rd shortest odds amongst teams in their conference.

Timberwolves vs Nuggets Same-Game Parlay Picks

Expect their leader, Jokic to be intent on inflicting some damage in this one. Media personalities have been pretty adamant that he shouldn’t win his 3rd consecutive MVP and that it would be a shame if he did because he doesn’t belong in the company of players that achieved that feat.

Compound that with the well-needed rest he got and his recent haircut and the T-Wolves look to be in for a rough ride. Yes, we mentioned his haircut, because his performances in his career after getting a fresh fade have been nothing short of spectacular in one of the more quirky stats you’ll find.

56/42/88

UNDEFEATED!!

— Blue Arrow Collector (@scoot_vs) April 13, 2023