Denver Nuggets (57-25) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (56-26)
As the NBA West Semifinals heat up, the Minnesota Timberwolves hold a surprising 2-0 series lead over the Denver Nuggets. These teams, with nearly identical records in the regular season, will clash again on Sunday, May 12, 2024. Fans can catch the high-stakes action at the Target Center or tune into TNT at 8:00 PM ET. With the series at a critical juncture, both teams look to make a statement in this pivotal game. Fans betting on this matchup will find all the latest odds and insights at the best sportsbooks.
One of the Denver Nuggets’ key strengths this year has been on the offensive front where the team manages to deliver an average of 114 points per game. They have an average field goal percentage of 49%. They pass well as an average and provide 29 assists per game. Nevertheless, they are 17-23 against the spread when on the road, so there remains some fallibility when they play away from home. Nikola Jokic, their middle big man, is the ticking heart of this team, and his game from both ends of the court is going to be central in this game.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are also coming in on the third with an average of 113 points per game and a slightly better three-point shooting percentage at 38.7%. They have been extremely successful in their success of covering the spread on the road, with a 22-18 record. The question on whether the Wolves can manage the clutch moments is there, as evident from their historical 1-4 run against the spread. Anthony Edwards has put in an outstanding performance, contributing points not to mention other elements equally important for the team.
Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Game Info
When: | Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 8:00 PM ET |
Where: | Target Center |
TV: | TNT |
Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Nikola Jokic (C) vs. Anthony Edwards (SG)
The season of Nikola Jokic has gone very well up to this point, with him putting up 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds and 9 assists per game. He has extraordinary passing skills for a center, and his vision of the game makes his teammates work effectively on offense. However, his high turnover of 3 per game could be a problem in the face of the Wolves team that thrives by taking advantage of opponents’ errors.
While Anthony Edwards has been averaging 25.9 points per game, he has been a dynamic force for Minnesota. The player’s agility and talent to break tactical lines are what make him dangerous at all times. His assist-to-turnover ratio may be lower than Jokic’s but he defends well, averaging 1.3 steals per game.
When these two players face off, it will be a game of Jokic’s size and passing versus Edwards’ speed and scoring. Each of these players has shown the skills and the ability to determine the outcome of the game, therefore, ensuring that this meeting is worth watching.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds are yet to be set, but given the close nature of this series and the teams’ performance, it could go either way. Bettors should keep an eye on the movement of the spread and totals as the game approaches.
Denver Nuggets Betting Trends
The Nuggets have demonstrated their resiliency, winning four of the last five games and beating the spread in each of those games. Their capacity to rattle in totals, with 4 of 5 games in the last week, signifies a propensity towards high scoring encounters, something bettors may use to their advantage.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Trends
Even though the Timberwolves hold the lead in the season series, they have experienced difficulty in covering the spread, only managing to record one win in the last five games. They have been doing it though, putting the OVER in their points game like the Nuggets, which is obviously another probable high-scoring game.
Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves 5/12/24 Betting Picks
Given the current trends and performances, the Nuggets might edge out a win in Game 4 as they seek to disrupt the Timberwolves’ momentum. However, the game is expected to be tightly contested, likely going OVER the total points line.
In terms of betting picks, the Nuggets could be the safer bet if the spread is favorable, given their ability to bounce back. Prop bets on Jokic for a double-double or Edwards for over 25 points could be wise, considering their current form. For expert NBA Semifinals picks, keeping an eye on the latest injury reports and lineup changes will be key.