The Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets lock horns in Game 1 of the first-round series at the Ball Arena on Saturday, with tipoff at 3:30 p.m. ET. The Timberwolves finished the regular season in sixth place in the Western Conference standings with a 49-33 record, while the Nuggets finished in third place with a 54-28 record.

The two teams matched up four times in the regular season, with the Nuggets winning the season series 3-1. In the most recent matchup on March 1, the Timberwolves won 117-108.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets Game 1 Preview: Starting Lineups Tonight, Betting Tips and Game Prediction

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets Betting Tips and Odds

Moneyline: Timberwolves (+185), Nuggets (-225)

Spread: Timberwolves +5.5 (-105), Nuggets -5.5 (-115)

Total over/under o/u: Timberwolves o230.5 (-110), Nuggets u230.5 (-110)

Editor’s note: Odds might change closer to tipoff

Betting Tips

• Anthony Edwards is expected to score over 29.5 points.
• Nikola Jokic is expected to record over 11.5 rebounds.
• Jamal Murray is expected to record under 6.5 assists.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets Preview

The Timberwolves’ biggest concern heading into Game 1 is the health of Anthony Edwards. The superstar guard is listed as questionable with a right knee injury. Minnesota not only needs Edwards on the floor but also at his best, as he is capable of taking over the game with his aggressive scoring and fiery presence.

Ball control will be crucial for the Timberwolves. They must limit turnovers, as gifting easy scoring opportunities to Denver could prove costly. Defensively, Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle will have to step up against Nikola Jokic, forcing the Serbian star into difficult jumpers rather than allowing easy looks at the rim.

On the other side, the Nuggets’ offense revolves heavily around Jokic. He will look to pull Gobert out of the paint, creating driving lanes for Jamal Murray and others. Murray thrives in big moments and has established himself as one of the most clutch performers in recent playoff history.

If Murray finds his rhythm from beyond the arc, Minnesota could be in serious trouble. Denver will also need contributions from its bench to ease the burden on Jokic, Murray, and Aaron Gordon. Players like Tim Hardaway Jr., Jonas Valanciunas and Bruce Brown must step up and make a meaningful impact.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets Starting Lineups Tonight

Minnesota Timberwolves starting lineup

PG: Anthony Edwards, SG: Donte DiVincenzo, SF: Jaden McDaniels, PF: Julius Randle, C: Rudy Gobert.

Denver Nuggets starting lineup

PG: Jamal Murray, SG: Christian Braun, SF: Cam Johnson, PF: Aaron Gordon, C: Nikola Jokic.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets Prediction

Anthony Edwards not being 100% healthy is an advantage for the Nuggets, who are also playing at home. We expect Denver to feed off the energy from its home crowd and competitively win Game 1.

Final score prediction: Nuggets win 118-110.