The Denver Nuggets (1-1) and Minnesota Timberwolves (2-1) meet Monday. Tip-off from Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is set for 9:30 p.m. ET (Peacock). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Nuggets vs. Timberwolves odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
2024-25 season series: Timberwolves won 4-0
Denver dominated the Phoenix Suns 133-111 Saturday, covering as a 13-point favorite with the Over (234) cashing. The backcourt duo of Jamal Murray (23 points) and Christian Braun (20) combined for 43 points, while Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double with 14 points, 14 rebounds and 15 assists. The Nuggets shot 51.2% from the field, committed 4 fewer turnovers (20-16) and outrebounded the Suns 43-38.
Minnesota escaped with a 114-110 win over the Indiana Pacers Sunday, failing to cover as a 12-point favorite with the Under (228.5) hitting. G Anthony Edwards left the game in the first quarter due to a hamstring injury, and his status is now uncertain for Monday. F Julius Randle scored 31 points, and 4 other Timberwolves players reached double figures to secure the win in Edwards’ absence.
Nuggets at Timberwolves odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:15 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Nuggets -220 (bet $220 to win $100) | Timberwolves +180 (bet $100 to win $180)Against the spread (ATS): Nuggets -5.5 (-115) | Timberwolves +5.5 (-105)Over/Under (O/U): 228.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)Nuggets at Timberwolves key injuries
Nuggets
Timberwolves
(Not yet submitted — below was for Sunday’s game)
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Nuggets at Timberwolves picks and predictionsPrediction
Nuggets 114, Timberwolves 101
PASS.
I expect the Nuggets to win as -220 favorites, but they are by no means worth the risk of betting on as such heavy favorites, given that Denver has lost 6 straight games — including playoffs — to the Wolves. Pass here and consider betting the spread and/or total instead.
BET NUGGETS -5.5 (-115).
With Edwards either out or playing injured, the Wolves won’t have enough offensively to keep up with the Nuggets. It was already going to be difficult for Minnesota to contain Denver’s offense while also scoring consistently in the half-court, but with Edwards not at 100%, its chances drop dramatically. Expect Denver to come out firing on all cylinders to beat this banged-up Minnesota squad.
This is a lean because 2 of the last 4 matchups between these teams have come down to 1-possession games, and the underdog has covered in 5 straight Denver-Minnesota battles.
LEAN UNDER 228.5 (-105).
With Edwards out, Minnesota’s offense will be in even greater need of a true initiator in the half-court. Without one, the Wolves’ offense will look pedestrian and struggle to find consistent success. On the other side, Minnesota’s defense will still be strong enough, even without Edwards, to make life difficult for the Nuggets for stretches of the game, which should be enough to keep the total score below 229.
This is a slight lean, as the Over is 3-1 in the last 4 meetings between these teams, and Denver’s high-powered offense makes the Over always a possibility.
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