Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets: Odds, injuries, what to watch for

The Minnesota Timberwolves look to start a winning streak and finish off a perfect road trip as they take on Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.

Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets: Odds, injuries, what to watch for

The Timberwolves followed up a five-game losing streak with an impressive win over the Portland Trail Blazers Sunday. Now, they head to the Mile High City to take on the Denver Nuggets, who have played much better basketball of late and now have a record above the .500 mark.

The Wolves did a solid job on Damian Lillard on Sunday night and rode a strong game from Karl-Anthony Towns and another clutch fourth quarter from D’Angelo Russell to the victory.

Russell returned after missing three games due to ankle soreness but is once again listed as questionable headed into Wednesday night’s contest due to the same injury.

Despite being ravaged with injuries and illness, the Nuggets have won three of their last four games, including a Monday win over the Washington Wizards.

Minnesota Timberwolves odds at Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets are favored by 4.5 points on their home floor, according to WynnBet. It’s not surprising that they’re favored, of course, but the margin is a bit larger than expected. The Wolves are healthier, won the last time out, and match up decently well against a banged-up Nuggets squad.

TV and streaming info for Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets

• Tip-off: 8:00 CT
• Television: Bally Sports North
• Radio: 830 WCCO
• Stream: Fubo.tv offers streaming options

What to watch for in Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets

While the Wolves are now officially a middle-of-the-pack defense and are still deploying a bottom-10 offense, there are some things to like about the matchup.

The Nuggets are No. 29 in the NBA in offensive rebounding percentage, which means that the Wolves, who are No. 30 in defensive rebounding percentage, should still have a shot at limiting the Nuggets’ second-chance scoring opportunities.

Additionally, the Nuggets are No. 29 in free throw rate, only attempting .152 free throws per each field goal attempted. It’s a bit surprising, given their No. 15 ranking in terms of overall offensive efficiency, but it should mesh well with the Wolves, who have a proclivity to foul opponents — Minnesota is still No. 30 in opponent’s free throw rate.

Of course, Nikola Jokic has been one of the best three or four players in the league this year and has the Nuggets back above the .500 mark at 14-13 despite a rash of injuries. Michael Porter Jr. and PJ Dozier both suffered season-ending injuries in November, and Jamal Murray is still without a timeline to return from his torn ACL. There are other injuries, too, which we’ll get to in a second.

Certainly, playing on the road against the Nuggets is always a challenge, but if Karl-Anthony Towns can avoid foul trouble, if Russell plays, and if Malik Beasley has another revenge game, the Wolves might be okay.

Injury report for Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets

The Wolves have Russell listed as questionable with ankle soreness, but he played in Sunday’s game and practiced on Tuesday.

The Nuggets are without the aforementioned Murray, Porter, and Dozier. They’ll also be missing JaMychal Green, who is out with an ankle injury. Austin Rivers has been out for a couple of weeks due to health and safety protocols and is listed as questionable.

Aaron Gordon (ankle) and Will Barton (illness) are both listed as probable.

We’ll be back after the game with player grades and key takeaways. Enjoy the game, and here’s to 13-15!