Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Nuggets: Odds, injuries, and what to watch for

The Minnesota Timberwolves look to break a three-game losing skid as they host the Northwest Division rival Denver Nuggets.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are already teetering on the brink.

Sure, if you just woke up from a weeks-long slumber, a 2-3 start to the season doesn’t look awful — especially when compared to the Denver Nuggets’ 1-4 mark.

But with Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Okogie both injured and the Wolves trailing by 25+ points in each of the past three games en route to blowout losses, the feeling around the team has tanked in just over a week.

The Wolves were dominated by a previously winless Washington Wizards team on New Year’s Day. Now, they’re faced with a home-and-home against the Nuggets on Sunday and Tuesday before consecutive games against the San Antonio Spurs, another 2-3 team on a losing streak trying to right the ship.

The Timberwolves are unlikely to win this game, but they must be competitive. Even while the team still hopes for a play-in berth at the very least, competing each night and showing fight without Towns available is vital.

Minnesota Timberwolves odds against the Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets are favored by 8.5 points, according to The Action Network. Denver won’t have Michael Porter Jr. on the floor but is otherwise healthy, and neither team played on Saturday.

This line seems fair, if not a little low given how badly the Wolves have played in each of their last three games.

TV and streaming info for Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets

• Television: Fox Sports North
• Radio: 830 WCCO
• Stream: Fubo.tv offers streaming options

What to watch for in Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets

Nikola Jokic has been a monster for the Nuggets so far this season, averaging a triple-double in five contests: 23 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds per game. The offense runs through Jokic and Jamal Murray, who is also off to a strong start.

While deep, the supporting cast hasn’t played up to snuff. Will Barton and Gary Harris have struggled, combining to shoot just 7-of-34 (20.6 percent).

New addition (and offseason Wolves target) JaMychal Green played in his first game with the Nuggets on Friday and was solid off the bench. Along with the newly re-signed Monte Morris, PJ Dozier, and Facundo Campazzo (another former Wolves target), the Nuggets continue to have impressive depth.

Unfortunately for the Wolves, Denver is only 1-4 and is desperate for a win. Without Towns to check Jokic and Okogie to guard Murray, the Wolves are at a severe disadvantage in this one.

Minnesota will try to speed up the methodical Nuggets and create as many possessions for themselves as possible. Frankly, it’s the only chance the Wolves have to stay in the game and have a chance to win down the stretch.

Injury Report for Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets

The Wolves are without Towns, Okogie, and Jaylen Nowell. The Nuggets are only missing Porter, who is out due to being a close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

Check back after Sunday evening for postgame reaction. See you then!