Nuggets Poised to Vanquish Timberwolves in 5 Games in 2026 NBA Playoffs

Denver's championship experience and improved depth will be too much for Minnesota to handle.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:52am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the intense action of a Nuggets-Timberwolves playoff game, with overlapping shapes and planes in the teams' official colors representing the high-stakes competition on the court.The Nuggets and Timberwolves renew their heated playoff rivalry, with Denver's championship experience and improved depth poised to overcome Minnesota's challenge.Denver Today

The Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves will renew their burgeoning rivalry in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. After falling to the Timberwolves in a heartbreaking Game 7 in 2024, the Nuggets are primed for revenge, led by MVP Nikola Jokic and All-Star Jamal Murray. With added depth and playoff experience, the Nuggets are favored to defeat the Timberwolves in five games and make a deep postseason run.

Why it matters

This series represents a clash between two of the Western Conference's top teams, with the Nuggets looking to avenge a painful playoff loss to the Timberwolves two years ago. The outcome could set the tone for the rest of the Nuggets' championship aspirations, while the Timberwolves aim to prove they can consistently compete with the conference's elite.

The details

The Nuggets and Timberwolves have split their last 28 regular season and playoff meetings, with Denver holding a 14-14 edge over the past four seasons. In 2023, the Nuggets defeated the Timberwolves 4-1 in the first round en route to a championship, but Minnesota bounced back the following year, winning a dramatic Game 7 in the Western Conference semifinals. This year, the Nuggets have added key depth pieces like Cam Johnson, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas, while also benefiting from the continued development of young players like Spencer Jones and Peyton Watson. With a healthier roster and more balanced attack, the Nuggets are poised to reassert their dominance over their rivals.

  • The Nuggets and Timberwolves will meet in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
  • In 2023, the Nuggets defeated the Timberwolves 4-1 in the first round of the playoffs.
  • In 2024, the Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets in a dramatic Game 7 in the Western Conference semifinals.

The players

Nikola Jokic

The three-time MVP and the centerpiece of the Nuggets' offense, Jokic has consistently dominated the Timberwolves, including a 56-point triple-double in a Christmas Day victory this season.

Jamal Murray

An All-Star guard and one of the NBA's most clutch performers, Murray is in the midst of his best season to date and will be a key factor in the Nuggets' playoff run.

Anthony Edwards

The dynamic young star for the Timberwolves, Edwards has developed into one of the league's most exciting players and will be crucial to Minnesota's hopes of upsetting the Nuggets.

Rudy Gobert

The four-time Defensive Player of the Year, Gobert has been a thorn in the Nuggets' side, but his effectiveness may be limited with the addition of Julius Randle to the Timberwolves' frontcourt.

Cam Johnson

The Nuggets' offseason acquisition has found his footing in Denver, providing valuable depth and scoring punch off the bench.

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What they’re saying

“Nikola Jokic is one of the all-time great postseason risers. There's no telling how special he can be this go around.”

— Bailey Bassett, Author

“The Timberwolves briefly had the Nuggets' number, but that won't last.”

— Bailey Bassett, Author

What’s next

The Nuggets and Timberwolves will face off in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, with Game 1 scheduled for April 13th.

The takeaway

The Nuggets have the championship experience, depth, and star power to avenge their 2024 playoff loss to the Timberwolves and advance to the next round. This series will be a true test of Denver's title aspirations, but they appear poised to emerge victorious.