Timberwolves vs Nuggets scouting report, prediction: Anthony Edwards, Nikola Jokic face off
The first matchup set for the second round of the NBA playoffs is arguably the most intriguing possible pairing.
The Denver Nuggets are the defending champions, but the Minnesota Timberwolves have stolen the hearts of NBA fans led by their highlight-making superstar guard, Anthony Edwards. Action tips off Saturday in the best-of-seven series between the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds in the Western Conference.
Denver and Minnesota split their four regular-season meetings. The Nuggets won 57 games, leading to the No. 2 seed over the 56-win Wolves.
According to FanDuel, the Nuggets are currently -205 favorites to win the highly anticipated series.
How Anthony Edwards, Wolves can pull upset
If any team matches up well against Denver across the board, it’s this one. The Timberwolves have the size and defensive talent to give the Nuggets trouble. Rudy Gobert, the NBA’s likely Defensive Player of the Year, is probably the best possible matchup you can get against reigning Finals MVP Nikola Jokic. Minnesota also has Karl-Anthony Towns as another 7-footer who can hold his own against the two-time MVP.
Denver's Jamal Murray gave the Los Angeles Lakers problems in Round One, but he didn’t have to match up against a 6-9 wing defender like Jaden McDaniels. Minnesota has the size to combat the Nuggets’ dynamic pick-and-roll between Jokic and Murray.
How the Nuggets can keep things rolling
Denver had the second-best home record in the NBA this season at 33-8. That success continued in the first round with three home wins. When Denver matched up against Minnesota in last year’s first round, the Nuggets shot 38.9% on 3-pointers. Jokic will have his success inside, but the ability to generate good outside looks and make them is important against a defense like Minnesota’s that doesn’t give up too much in the paint.
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Nuggets vs Timberwolves: Who wins?
Edwards averaged 31.6 points against the Nuggets in last year’s first-round matchup. If he’s able to duplicate that performance, the reigning champs are in trouble. Denver trusts only its starting lineup, while Minnesota has Naz Reid as the Sixth Man of the Year and Nickeil Alexander-Walker as essentially an extra starter. Denver has home court, but Minnesota has more depth and a better defense.
Prediction: Wolves in 7
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Timberwolves vs Nuggets NBA playoffs scouting report, prediction
