Timberwolves' Joe Ingles to play Nikola Jokic in practice for playoff series

The veteran forward will help Minnesota prepare for the Nuggets' superstar center

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:48am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game, with sharp planes of color and shape representing the action on the court, conveying the strategic preparations for the playoff matchup.A cubist interpretation of the upcoming playoff clash between the Timberwolves and Nuggets, with veteran Joe Ingles playing a key role in practice by embodying MVP Nikola Jokic.Denver Today

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Joe Ingles, who has seen limited playing time this season, will take on the role of Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic in practice ahead of the teams' first-round playoff matchup. Ingles, a 38-year-old with over a decade of NBA experience, will help the Timberwolves' defense prepare for the three-time MVP's unique skillset.

Why it matters

Jokic is the engine that makes the Nuggets' offense run, so having an experienced veteran like Ingles simulate his game in practice will be crucial for the Timberwolves as they look to contain the Serbian superstar and advance in the playoffs.

The details

Ingles, who has not played more than 10 minutes in a game all season, is embracing the role of Jokic in practice. He joked that he'll 'be the best version' of the Nuggets' starting center, even comparing it to when he played the part of Luka Doncic last year to help the Timberwolves prepare. While Ingles doesn't have Jokic's superstar talent, his savvy and physicality will help the Timberwolves' defense get ready for the challenges the MVP presents.

  • The Timberwolves and Nuggets' first-round playoff series is set to begin on Saturday, April 19, 2026.

The players

Joe Ingles

A 38-year-old forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves who has over a decade of NBA experience and will play the role of Nikola Jokic in practice to help the team prepare for their first-round playoff matchup.

Nikola Jokic

The three-time MVP and superstar center for the Denver Nuggets, who is the engine that makes their offense run.

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What they’re saying

“Hell yeah. I was Luka last year, got us prepared great. I'll be whoever. I'm being one of their starters. That was the funnest part of the year for me last year, playing 400 pick-and-rolls in a few days. I'll be whoever, but I'll be the best version of that person. Be a bit of fun.”

— Joe Ingles, Minnesota Timberwolves forward

What’s next

The Timberwolves and Nuggets will tip off their first-round playoff series on Saturday, April 19, 2026 in Denver.

The takeaway

Veteran leadership and experience can be just as valuable as raw talent in the playoffs, and the Timberwolves are tapping into Joe Ingles' savvy to help them prepare for the challenge of facing Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets.