After a dominant performance in Game 1 that saw the first seed Nuggets win 109-80 to the eighth seeded Timberwolves, the Nuggets will look to take a 2-0 series lead as they host their opponents for Game 2 of the Western Conference first round. The game is expected to tip-off at 10:00 PM ET, Wednesday, April 19th, 2023.
Given their success in Game 1, its no surprise the Nuggets are a 8.5 point favorite, with no doubts they’ll be able to secure win before the series shifts to Minnesota.
MATCH PREVIEW
The Nuggets currently hold a 1-0 lead in the series after their dominant victory on April 17, where point guard Jamal Murray led the way with 24 points. However, the Timberwolves are looking to bounce back behind the impressive play of rookie Anthony Edwards, who scored 18 points in the last game.
Denver have been solid against division opponents this season, posting a 10-6 record, and they’ll rely on the talents of superstar Nikola Jokic, who is averaging 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists. They also have a consistent scorer in Bruce Brown, who is averaging 15 points over the last 10 games.
Meanwhile, Minnesota have held their own against opponents from the Northwest Division, going 8-8. They are fifth in the Western Conference in fast break points per game, with Edwards leading the charge at 3.6 per game. The young star has been impressive all season, averaging 24.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.6 steals. Mike Conley has also been a reliable shooter from beyond the arc, averaging 2.5 made three-pointers over the last 10 games.
In their last 10 games, the Nuggets have gone 5-5, while averaging 108.8 points, 45.9 rebounds, 25.7 assists, 7.8 steals, and 5.4 blocks per game. They’ve shot 46.8 percent from the field and allowed their opponents to score an average of 107.0 points per game.
The Timberwolves, on the other hand, have gone 6-4 in their last 10 games, averaging 111.0 points, 44.0 rebounds, 26.9 assists, 6.8 steals, and 4.9 blocks per game. They’ve shot 46.8 percent from the field, but allowed their opponents to score an average of 112.2 points.
ODDS AND PREDICTIONS
Off the back of their superstar center Jokic, averaging 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game, expect the Nuggets offense to be firing on all cylinders. With the Timberwolves struggling to contain him in game one, Jokic is likely to put up another impressive performance in game two. This makes it highly likely that the Nuggets will cover the spread in the second game, especially with the Timberwolves’ offense looking weak.
Overall, the Nuggets are the clear favorites in this matchup and offer a great betting opportunity for those looking to capitalize on their momentum. So, if you’re looking to place a bet on the game, the recommendation is to hammer the Nuggets spread. But remember, it’s important to keep in mind that sports betting always involves a degree of risk, and there’s no guarantee that the spark of Anthony Edwards won’t inspire the Timberwolves to keep this close. As always, it’s essential to do your research and make an informed decision based on the available data.
Spread: Nuggets -8.5
Moneyline: Nuggets -350, Timberwolves +275
Pick: Nuggets -8.5
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