Joe D: TIMBERWOLVES/NUGGETS GAME 1 WINNER

Handicapper

Joe D'Amico

League

NBA

Competition

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets

Time

05/04/2024 07:07 PM

Bet Type

Point Spread

Pick

Minnesota Timberwolves +4.5 (-110) (Consensus 3)

Outcome

Win

Analysis

Minnesota Timberwolves. Game 1 Winner. Game 529. 4:00 PM PST/7:00 PM EST. In my opinion this is the most anticipated matchup in the second round of the playoffs. Regardless of who wins the Cavaliers/Magic Game 7 meeting on Sunday, none of the other three matchups consist of teams seeded this low. The No. 3 Timberwolves and the No. 2 Nuggets will square off here. These two teams met four times this season, splitting out the four meetings straight up. However, the Timberwolves have covered three of the four this season. Going back to last season, Minnesota has covered five of the last six overall matchups. Many people thought they would not get past Phoenix in the opening round because they could not beat them in any of the meetings during the regular season. But they dispatched them in four games. The Nuggets devoured the Lakers in five games. While the T-Wolves had an extra day off to rest, heal, and prepare for this round, they also enter this matchup covering four consecutive outings. Meanwhile the Nuggets are on a 1-3 ATS run. Going back to the matchups this season, Minnesota, in their two victories in those matchups really had their way with Denver. Meanwhile the two matchups that the Nuggets prevailed, were a lot closer. While nobody can deny the experience of Denver, Minny can keep pace with them offensively, and possess the NBA's No. 1 defense, allowing 106.5 points per game. They also top the league in field goal percentage allowed. While Denver is not far behind them in both of those categories, I just don't see them having their way here. I believe the frustrating defense of the Timberwolves will be the difference and keep this game extremely close. Take Minnesota. Thank you.