The Denver Nuggets wasted no time sending an emphatic message to the rest of the Western Conference, obliterating the Timberwolves 109-80 in Game 1.
After building up a large lead in the standings, the Nuggets mostly coasted their way through the end of the regular season. The No. 1 seed finished just 7-10 over their final 17 games, good for 21st in the NBA and one spot behind the lowly Charlotte Hornets. The lackluster finish opened the door for skeptics to discount the Nuggets as the team to beat out West.
One win over Minnesota won't quell all doubt but it's hard to discount what Denver did in its postseason opener.
Nikola Jokic looked every bit the part of a two-time MVP, whizzing no-look cross-court passes to wide open shooter and pirouetting through the lane for crafty finishes. He had 13 points, 10 assists and five rebounds in the first half and only played 8:35 in the second half as the Nuggets blitzed the Wolves 32-14 in the third quarter.
Jamal Murray paced the Nuggets with 24 points in what was his first playoff action since all the way back in 2020. Murray missed each of the last two postseasons due to a torn ACL sustained at the end of the 2020-21 regular season.
Neither Anthony Edwards (6-15 FG, 18 points) nor Karl-Anthony Towns (5-15 FG, 11 points) could muster much for Minnesota which shot just 37 percent overall. The Timberwolves fell apart in the disastrous third quarter, with more turnovers (six) than made shots (five).
Here's what you need to know to watch Nuggets vs. Timberwolves in Game 2.
What time is Nuggets vs. Timberwolves?
- Date: Wednesday, April 19
- Time: 10 p.m. ET (8 p.m. MT)
- Location: Ball Arena, Denver
Game 2 between the Nuggets and Timberwolves will tip off at 10 p.m. ET (8 p.m. local time) on Sunday from Ball Arena in Denver.
What channel is Nuggets vs. Timberwolves on?
- TV channel: TNT
- Live stream: Sling TV
Game 2 of the first-round series between the Nuggets and Timberwolves will be broadcast on TNT. Viewers can also live stream the game on Sling TV.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA's biggest playoff games 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.
MORE: Watch the NBA Playoffs with Sling TV
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves odds
BetMGM lists Denver as 9.5-point favorites in Game 2.
- Spread: Timberwolves +9.5 | Nuggets -9.5
- Over/under: 222.5
- Moneyline: Timberwolves +290 | Nuggets -375
MORE: NBA Playoffs Best Bets: Timberwolves vs. Nuggets series odds, picks, predictions, & props
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves series schedule, TV channels
Game 2 of the seven-game series between the Nuggets and Timberwolves will take place on Wednesday, April 19. This series is still being played in Denver, and will shift to Minneapolis for Games 3 and 4. It will return to Colorado for Game 5, if necessary.
Below is a full schedule for the Nuggets vs. Timberwolves playoff series.
| Game | Date | Location | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 2 | Wednesday, April 19 | at Nuggets | 10 p.m. | TNT |
| Game 3 | Friday, April 21 | at T-Wolves | 9:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Game 4 | Sunday, April 23 | at T-Wolves | 9:30 p.m. | TNT |
| Game 5* | Tuesday, April 25 | at Nuggets | TBD | TBD |
| Game 6* | Thursday, April 27 | at T-Wolves | TBD | TBD |
| Game 7* | Saturday, April 29 | at Nuggets | TBD | TNT |
*If necessary
Past games
| Game | Result |
|---|---|
| 1 | Timberwolves 124, Nuggets 111 |
