{"id":716651,"date":"2026-04-23T17:21:29","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T17:21:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/716651\/"},"modified":"2026-04-23T17:21:29","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T17:21:29","slug":"timberwolves-vs-nuggets-nba-playoffs-game-3-predictions-odds-stats-trends-and-best-bets-for-april-23-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/716651\/","title":{"rendered":"Timberwolves vs. Nuggets \u2013 NBA Playoffs Game 3 predictions: Odds, stats, trends and best bets for April 23"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>What is the old phrase?&#8230;Familiarity breeds contempt? Yes, and tt certainly can be applied to the Western Conference series between the <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/nba\/teams\/denver\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Denver Nuggets;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Denver Nuggets&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Denver Nuggets<\/a> and the <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/nba\/teams\/minnesota\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Minnesota Timberwolves;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Minnesota Timberwolves&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Minnesota Timberwolves<\/a>. This is the third time in the last four years they are meeting in the playoffs. The latest iteration continues tonight with Game 3 of their Western Conference first round series.<\/p>\n<p>Last postseason these teams entertained us with a thrilling seven-game series in the Western Conference Semis with Minnesota prevailing 4-3. The Timberwolves took Games 6 and 7 to advance to the conference finals. In 2023 Denver won in the Opening Round against Minnesota taking the best-of-seven series in five games, 4-1. Minnesota has won nine of their 17 playoff games overall against Denver.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Monday night saw the Nuggets blow an early 20-point lead at home and eventually lose to the Timberwolves, 119-114. <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/nba\/players\/6355\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Anthony Edwards;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Anthony Edwards&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Anthony Edwards<\/a> poured in 30 points to leads Minnesota\u2019s attack. <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/nba\/players\/6253\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Naz Reid;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Naz Reid&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Naz Reid<\/a> added 27 and <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/nba\/players\/5318\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Julius Randle;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Julius Randle&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Julius Randle<\/a> added 24 to help support the comeback. <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/nba\/players\/5352\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Nikola Jokic;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Nikola Jokic&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Nikola Jokic<\/a> was just OK for Denver putting up what for him was a pedestrian stat line of 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists in the loss.<\/p>\n<p>Game 3 more than likely comes down to how efficiently the Nuggets are on offense vs. Minnesota\u2019s ability to shut down the perimeter defensively. <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/nba\/players\/5638\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Jamal Murray;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Jamal Murray&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jamal Murray<\/a> has done whatever he wants to this point. That needs to stop for Minnesota to win and grab the upper hand in this series.<\/p>\n<p>Lets take a closer look at tonight\u2019s matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/dksb.sng.link\/As9kz\/n06w?_dl=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsbook.draftkings.com%2Fgateway%3Fs%3D828708442&amp;pcid=423658&amp;psn=1576&amp;pcn=NBCSports&amp;pscn=Widget&amp;pcrn=Odds&amp;pscid=NBA&amp;pcrid=xx&amp;wpcid=423658&amp;wpsrc=1576&amp;wpcn=NBCSports&amp;wpscn=Widget&amp;wpcrn=Odds&amp;wpscid=NBA&amp;wpcrid=xx&amp;_forward_params=1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:DraftKings;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;DraftKings&quot;}\">DraftKings<\/a> recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.<\/p>\n<p>After 24 years, the NBA is back on NBC and Peacock, combining the nostalgia of an iconic era with the innovative future of basketball coverage. The <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@NBAonNBC\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:NBA on NBC YouTube channel;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;NBA on NBC YouTube channel&quot;}\">NBA on NBC YouTube channel<\/a> delivers fans must-see highlights, analysis, and exclusive and unique content. <\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Game Details and How to Watch Live: Timberwolves vs. Nuggets<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Network\/Streaming: Prime Video<\/p>\n<p>Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/fantasy\/basketball\/player-news\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:NBA Player News;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;NBA Player News&quot;}\">NBA Player News <\/a>for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!<\/p>\n<p>Game Odds: Timberwolves vs. Nuggets<\/p>\n<p>The latest odds as of Thursday courtesy of <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sportsbook.draftkings.com\/leagues\/football\/nfl?pcid=423657&amp;pcn=NBCSports&amp;pcrid=xx&amp;pcrn=Odds&amp;pscid=NFL&amp;pscn=Widget&amp;psn=1576&amp;referrer=singular_click_id%3d7fbe2483-48ff-4e36-b351-8af0e0aa5ff9&amp;sl_id=o67v&amp;wpcid=423657&amp;wpcn=NBCSports&amp;wpcrid=xx&amp;wpcrn=Odds&amp;wpscid=NFL&amp;wpscn=Widget&amp;wpsrc=1576\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:DraftKings;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;DraftKings&quot;}\">DraftKings<\/a>:<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Moneyline: Minnesota Timberwolves (+114), Denver Nuggets (-135)<\/p>\n<p>This game opened Nuggets -1.5 with the Game Total set at 231.5.<\/p>\n<p>Be sure to check out <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sportsbook.draftkings.com\/?pcid=423656&amp;pcn=NBCSports&amp;pcrid=xx&amp;pcrn=Odds&amp;pscid=Homepage&amp;pscn=Widget&amp;psn=1576&amp;referrer=singular_click_id%3d30e01f19-835f-4ec1-809a-6070a505b22d&amp;sl_id=mqeo&amp;wpcid=423656&amp;wpcn=NBCSports&amp;wpcrid=xx&amp;wpcrn=Odds&amp;wpscid=Homepage&amp;wpscn=Widget&amp;wpsrc=1576\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:DraftKings;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;DraftKings&quot;}\">DraftKings<\/a> for all the latest game odds &amp; player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!<\/p>\n<p>Expected Starting Lineups: Timberwolves vs. NuggetsMinnesota Timberwolves<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Denver NuggetsInjury Report: Timberwolves vs. NuggetsMinnesota Timberwolves<\/p>\n<p>Anthony Edwards (knee) is listed as probable for tonight\u2019s game<\/p>\n<p>Denver Nuggets<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Aaron Gordon (calf) is probable for tonight\u2019s game<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/nba\/players\/6720\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Peyton Watson;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Peyton Watson&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Peyton Watson<\/a> (hamstring) has been declared OUT of tonight\u2019s game<\/p>\n<p>Important stats, trends and insights: Timberwolves vs. Nuggets<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">The Timberwolves are 26-15 at home this season<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">The Nuggets are 26-15 on the road this season<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">The Nuggets are 45-39 ATS this season<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Minnesota is 38-46 ATS this season<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">The OVER has cashed in 53 of the Nuggets\u2019 84 games this season (53-31)<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">The OVER has cashed in 38 of the Timberwolves\u2019 84 games this season (38-46)<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/nba\/players\/5197\/\" data-i13n=\"sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link\" data-ylk=\"slk:Rudy Gobert;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Rudy Gobert&quot;,&quot;ySubModuleName&quot;:&quot;anchor_text&quot;,&quot;yHasCommerce&quot;:false}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Rudy Gobert<\/a> is averaging 8.5 rebounds per game in this series<\/p>\n<p>Rotoworld Best Bet<\/p>\n<p>Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.<br \/>Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over\/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.<\/p>\n<p>Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Here are the best bets our model is projecting for tonight\u2019s Timberwolves and Nuggets game:<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Timberwolves on the Moneyline<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Spread: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the Timberwolves +2.5 ATS<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total UNDER 233.5<\/p>\n<p>Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff &amp; tools? Check out the <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/betting\/nba\/tools\/game-predictions\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Expert NBA Predictions page;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Expert NBA Predictions page&quot;}\">Expert NBA Predictions page<\/a> from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over\/under picks for every game on today\u2019s calendar!<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/betting\/nba\/tools\/top-trends\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:NBA Top Trends tool;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;NBA Top Trends tool&quot;}\">NBA Top Trends tool<\/a> on NBC Sports!<\/p>\n<p>Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff: <\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"What is the old phrase?&#8230;Familiarity breeds contempt? Yes, and tt certainly can be applied to the Western Conference&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":716652,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[4],"tags":[877,375,7,1828,561,187,372,377,762,376,152,520,6,11,253,1146,373,574],"class_list":{"0":"post-716651","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nba-playoffs","8":"tag-aaron-gordon","9":"tag-anthony-edwards","10":"tag-basketball","11":"tag-cam-johnson","12":"tag-christian-braun","13":"tag-denver-nuggets","14":"tag-donte-divincenzo","15":"tag-jaden-mcdaniels","16":"tag-jamal-murray","17":"tag-julius-randle","18":"tag-minnesota-timberwolves","19":"tag-naz-reid","20":"tag-nba","21":"tag-nba-playoffs","22":"tag-nikola-jokic","23":"tag-peyton-watson","24":"tag-rudy-gobert","25":"tag-western-conference"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nba\/116455177206767722","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/716651","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=716651"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/716651\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/716652"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=716651"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=716651"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=716651"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}