The Denver Nuggets (28-16) and Minnesota Timberwolves (23-21) will meet in the NBA this afternoon. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. ET from the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The game will broadcast live on ABC.
The Nuggets are 4.5-point favorites over the Timberwolves on the spread (Nuggets -4.5), with the over/under set at 228 total points. Denver is a -192 favorite to win outright, while Minnesota is +160 to pull off the upset.
Let's get to my Nuggets vs. Timberwolves predictions and NBA picks for Saturday, January 25.
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Prediction, Picks
Spread
I will not be betting either side of the spread in this contest, with the Nuggets currently tagged at -4.5.
Over/Under
My Timberwolves vs. Nuggets best bet is on Russell Westbrook Over 18.5 Points + Assists, with the best line currently available at DraftKings, which isn't exactly a total prediction, but it does correlate with the Over. As always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
My Pick: Russell Westbrook Over 18.5 Points + Assists
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Odds, Spread, Over/Under
| Nuggets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4.5 -110 | 228 -110 / -110 | -192 |
| Timberwolves Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4.5 -110 | 228 -110 / -110 | +160 |
- Nuggets vs. Timberwolves spread: Nuggets -4.5
- Nuggets vs. Timberwolves over/under: 228 total points
- Nuggets vs. Timberwolves moneyline: Timberwolves +160, Nuggets -192
- Nuggets vs. Timberwolves best bet: Russell Westbrook Over 18.5 Points + Assists
Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Preview
The Nuggets and Timberwolves have been Northwest Division rivals for many years. However, the intensity has picked up over the last two years. In 2023, the Nuggets defeated the Timberwolves in five games in the first round en route to a championship.
However, the Timberwolves returned the favor last season and defeated the Nuggets in seven games in the second round with the decisive Game 7 being in Denver.
Minnesota also took the first meeting this season 119-116 in November. That loss gave the Nuggets a 2-3 start to the season, but they have been on fire of late. They have won 12 of their last 15 games to improve to 28-16 and vault into the fourth seed in the Western Conference.
Over that span, the Nuggets lead the league in offensive rating and have improved to fourth for the entire season.
Former MVP Russell Westbrook has been a catalyst for the team and he is averaging 14.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 7.4 assists as a starter. Westbrook's energy has been a major factor in the ranking fifth in pace this season.
Of course, it does not hurt to have the reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, who Westbrook has quickly forged strong chemistry with.
Jokic has recorded a triple-double in five straight games and in seven of his last 10 games. His latest was as impressive as any of them as he had 35 points, 22 rebounds, and 17 assists as well as a memorable full-court heave in a victory over the Kings.
Over the last few years, Minnesota has managed to keep Jokic triple-doubles to a minimum, but it has not limited his impact completely. In the last 10 meetings, Jokic has averaged 30.2 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists per game. He was named an All-Star for the seventh time on Thursday night.
Anthony Edwards will likely join Jokic as a member of the Western Conference All-Star team this Thursday. He is averaging 29.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists this season. He has scored 28 points in seven of his last 10 games. However, he is questionable for today's game with an illness, so it would not be a surprise if he is a more of a facilitator.
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Best Bets, Predictions
Westbrook is coming of an 18-point performance in his last outing against the Kings. He has scored 17 points in six of his last 10 games, averaging 16.9 over that span. That bodes well considering that we know Westbrook can fill up the stat sheet in other areas, particularly as a passer.
Westbrook has cleared his assists line (5.5) in seven of his last 10 games and as mentioned, he is averaging over seven as a starter. His role in Denver was not as defined in the last meeting, but he has recorded 19 points and assists in six of his last nine games against Minnesota and in seven of last 10 games of late.
I expect that trend to continue today with the help of a few assists to Jokic.
Jokic has scored 25 points in seven straight games against Minnesota. He has routinely gotten the better of Rudy Gobert in this matchup, but he may see of Naz Reid if Minnesota needs more scoring today.
Reid may provide that scoring punch on baskets assisted by Edwards. Denver traps Edwards as much as any team. While he hates it, he has had five assists in six of his last 10 regular season games against Denver.
Overall, he has had six assists in six of his last 10 games and five assists in seven of them. We'll take five to cash this parlay.
Best Bet: Russell Westbrook Over 18.5 Points + Assists (-115)
Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Parlay Picks
- Nikola Jokic 25+ Points
- Russell Westbrook Over 18.5 Points + Assists
- Anthony Edwards Over 4.5 Assists
Parlay Payout: +325
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Betting Trends
