NBA Basketball
2026-04-20 - Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States : NBA Basketball Playoffs First Round Game 2
Monday 20th April 2026 - Scheduled 10:30pm EST
3:30am (British Time)
Preview
After coming out and making a fast start, the Minnesota Timberwolves would have reminded Denver fans of the way the Nuggets have struggled to match up with this opponent.
However, the Denver Nuggets players will be aware of the way they have handled the Timberwolves in the regular season and that meant they could likely deal with the early 'punch in the face' received.
The Nuggets dominated the middle of Game 1 by out-scoring Minnesota 68-46 in the Second and Third Quarters and the 11 point win has given Denver the lead they would have sought in this First Round Series.
Backing that up is the challenge and the Denver Nuggets will be keen to make a faster start in this one and really put the pressure on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Anthony Edwards is trying to play through the pain, but he is clearly not at 100% and that means the other players on the Timberwolves roster have to take the lead at times, which proved beyond them after the First Quarter.
Minnesota had decent performances across the board, but will need more to make up for the shortcomings in the Anthony Edwards performance level as he bids to dig in.
Both teams have some adjustments to be made- neither shot the three ball at the level they would have hoped and the shooters will have to improve, while the Denver Nuggets will feel they can produce a stronger win if they can control the paint with more effectiveness.
The concern for the Timberwolves is that it feels like there is plenty of room for improvement as far as the Denver Nuggets are concerned and they are looking to become the next home team who can back up the win in Game 1.
Over the course of the season, Denver have been a more consistent three point shooting team than they showed on Saturday and the Nuggets look a little healthier than the Minnesota Timberwolves. Unless someone can step up and try and take control of Game 2, the Denver Nuggets may have a little too much for the road team for a second time in this Series and they have a chance of covering this spread, which is set at a similar mark to Game 1 which was eventually controlled by the Nuggets.
Prediction
Lay the points with the home favourite in this NBA Playoff First Round Game 2.
The Pick :
Denver Nuggets 118-110 Minnesota Timberwolves
