Nuggets and Timberwolves Set for Playoff Clash

Western Conference first-round series expected to be a hard-fought battle

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:39pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the action and energy of a basketball game between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette.The Nuggets and Timberwolves renew their playoff rivalry in a first-round series destined for high drama and intensity.Denver Today

The No. 3 seed Denver Nuggets and No. 6 seed Minnesota Timberwolves will face off in the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs, with the series expected to be a closely contested matchup between two talented teams.

Why it matters

This series features two teams that have met frequently in recent postseasons, adding an extra layer of intensity and familiarity to the proceedings. Both squads have high-powered offenses and star players, setting the stage for an entertaining and potentially long-lasting playoff battle.

The details

The Nuggets enter the series as the favorites, with BetMGM Sportsbook listing them at -350 to win the series. Denver is led by the dynamic duo of Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, who power the league's best offense. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, are led by All-Star Anthony Edwards, who has battled knee issues late in the regular season but is expected to be healthy for the playoffs. Minnesota has had success against Denver in the regular season, going 4-0 against the Nuggets in 2024-25.

  • The series is set to begin on Saturday, April 19, 2026.
  • Game 1 will be played in Denver.

The players

Nikola Jokić

The reigning NBA MVP, Jokić is the engine that makes the Nuggets' offense go. He's one of the most versatile big men in the league.

Jamal Murray

Murray is Jokić's co-star, a dynamic scoring guard who can take over games. He's a key part of Denver's high-powered attack.

Anthony Edwards

The Timberwolves' All-Star guard, Edwards is a talented scorer who has given the Nuggets trouble in the past. His health will be crucial for Minnesota's upset hopes.

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What they’re saying

“The Nuggets secured the No. 3 seed with strong play down the stretch, and with the league's best offense, they can outscore any team. Jokić, Murray, health and a slightly better defense after the All-Star break give the Nuggets the advantage.”

— Jeff Zillgitt

“They will be the decided underdog, and they should be. It's been an up-and-down regular season that did not meet the lofty expectations they set for themselves. But they are healthy and rested … and they have Edwards, who Denver has never been able to handle.”

— Jon Krawczynski

What’s next

The winner of this series will advance to face the winner of the Clippers-Suns matchup in the Western Conference semifinals.

The takeaway

This first-round clash between the Nuggets and Timberwolves has the makings of a classic playoff series, with two talented teams that know each other well battling it out. Denver's offensive firepower and home-court advantage make them the favorites, but Minnesota has the pieces to pull off the upset if Anthony Edwards is healthy and their supporting cast steps up.