It's unknown if Nikola Jokić is playing in Game 3 of the seven-game series between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves. He was listed as questionable on Wednesday, April 19, and yet ended up playing 37 minutes and scoring 27 points with a right wrist injury.
The Nuggets, however, are no stranger to a Jokić injury and playing without the star center.
The teams met four times in the regular season, and one of those times was without Jokić, which the Nuggets lost 128-98 in Minneapolis. The passer and playmaker has been a game-changer for the Nuggets since he was subbed into the starting lineup all those years ago. The fact that he scored 27 points through a sprain on Wednesday proves what a dominant force he is toward Denver's success, and he's one of only two centers in NBA history to tally 50 triple-doubles alongside Will Chamberlain.
Jamal Murray also added to Denver's success, dropping 40 points for the fifth time in his postseason career — he and Anthony Edwards' stat comparisons from Game 2 are insane:
WHAT A BATTLE 😤
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 20, 2023
Jamal Murray and the Nuggets take Game 2 over Ant and the Wolves ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/uWLwHP31TI
Here's everything you need to know about Game 3 between the Nuggets vs. Timberwolves while simultaneously hoping that Jokić will make an appearance on the court.
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Is Nikola Jokić playing vs. Timberwolves tonight?
The Nuggets have listed Jokić on the injury report with a right wrist sprain. He is probable to play.
Jokic was upgraded from questionable to available ahead of Game 2.
What time is Nuggets vs. Timberwolves today?
- Date: Friday, April 21
- Time: 9:30 p.m. ET | 6:30 p.m. PT
Game 3 between the Nuggets and Timberwolves will tip off at 9:30 p.m. ET on Friday from the Target Center in Minneapolis. Timezone translation means tip off will be at 8:30 p.m. CT (the game's local time), and 6:30 p.m. PT if you're watching from the West Coast.
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What channel is Nuggets vs. Timberwolves on?
- Date: Friday, April 21
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live stream: Sling TV
Game 3 of the first-round series between the Nuggets and Timberwolves will be broadcast live on ESPN on Friday, April 21. Viewers can also live stream the game via Sling TV.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA Playoffs on Sling TV, which is now offering HALF OFF your first month! Stream Sling Orange for $20 in your first month to catch all the games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $27.50 in your first month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.
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Nuggets vs. Timberwolves odds
It's no surprise the Nuggets are the projected 1.5-favorite for Game 3. The No. 1-seed has put a stop to the Timberwolves antics in not once, but twice. There's little concern that the series will delve into the tiebreakers, but it's always a possibility. Are you taking the underdogs this weekend or playing it safe?
Nuggets | T-Wolves | |
Spread | -120 (-1.5) | +100 (+1.5) |
Moneyline | -135 | +110 |
For the full market check out BetMGM.
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves schedule
After opening their first-round seven-game series in Denver, the Nuggets and Timberwolves are shifting gears. They'll be jumping on a jet to Minneapolis for Games 3 and 4 to see if the Timberwolves can even the playing field on their home turf before time runs out.
Below is a full schedule for the Nuggets vs. Timberwolves playoff series, including past results:
Date | Game | Time (ET)/Result | TV channel |
April 16 | Game 1 | Nuggets 109, Timberwolves 80 | — |
April 19 | Game 2 | Nuggets 122, Timberwolves 113 | — |
April 21 | Game 3 | 9:30 p.m. at T-Wolves | ESPN |
April 3 | Game 4 | 9:30 p.m. at T-Wolves | TNT |
April 25 | Game 5* | TBD at Nuggets | TBD |
April 27 | Game 6* | TBD at T-Wolves | TBD |
April 29 | Game 7* | TBD at Nuggets | TNT |
*If necessary