Minnesota Timberwolves - Denver Nuggets predictions and free betting tips [17/05/2024]

Minnesota Timberwolves will host the Denver Nuggets in Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals tomorrow morning.

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves, having suffered a defeat at the hands of the Denver Nuggets in Game 5, are fighting to stay alive in the series. Karl-Anthony Towns put up 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Rudy Gobert added 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks, shooting a perfect 7 out of 7. Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipped in with 14 points and 5 assists. Overall, the Timberwolves shot 48 percent from the field but only 8 of 26 from the three-point line, struggling to find their rhythm offensively. Anthony Edwards managed just 18 points after a slow start.

How does Minnesota feel after the latest performance by Jokic? Anthony Edwards noted that Jokic showcased why he is the MVP and the best player in the NBA. The Timberwolves must find a way to contain Jokic to force a Game 7 on Sunday in Denver. Minnesota's starting centre, Rudy Gobert, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, mentioned that the team needs to maintain a positive attitude. Their psychological approach will be as crucial as the coaches' tactics. The team was too demoralised in the second half of Tuesday's game, which cannot happen again.

Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets, having lost the first two games of the series, bounced back with three consecutive wins to seize a 3-2 series lead. On Tuesday evening, the Nuggets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 112-97. Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets' resurgence with 40 points on an efficient 15-of-22 shooting and has tallied 99 points across the last three games. Coach Michael Malone presented the team with ESPN analysts’ comments declaring the series almost over after the first two games. In response, the Nuggets outplayed the Timberwolves by an average of 16.7 points per game. Malone emphasised the significant effort required to come back in the series and that the team was prepared for it.

The Nuggets registered 30 assists, indicating excellent ball movement. They played exceptional defence, scoring 18 points in the second quarter and 38 points in the third, widening the gap to 18 points. Michael Porter Jr. struggled, scoring just 6 points on 2-of-10 shooting, but the Nuggets received a boost from Gordon and Christian Braun, who scored 10 points off the bench. Jokic received his third MVP trophy before the game and validated it with his ensuing performance, amassing 40 points and fully controlling the offensive flow. In games where he faced difficulties, like Game 1 where he had 7 turnovers, his impact was diminished. 

Match Prediction: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets

It was anticipated that Denver would demonstrate their championship character and close out the Wolves in a home game. Given that Denver secured the initial games on the road, expect them to finish the series in 6 games. Edwards, despite his talent, lacks the experience required for such crucial matches, and even if he scores 30, support from the rest of the somewhat inconsistent Minnesota stars might not be adequate.