Nuggets and Timberwolves Playoff Rivalry Heats Up

Longtime division foes meet again in postseason with stars Jokic and Edwards leading the way.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:11am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting that breaks down a basketball game between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves into sharp, overlapping geometric planes, with the players' forms deconstructed and their movements expressed through the angular shapes.The intense playoff rivalry between the Nuggets and Timberwolves is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs the action on the court.Denver Today

The Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves have developed a budding rivalry in recent years as frequent opponents in the same division. Now, the two teams are set to meet in the NBA playoffs, with superstars Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets and Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves leading their respective squads.

Why it matters

The Nuggets and Timberwolves have faced off in the playoffs before, but this year's matchup features two of the league's brightest young stars in Jokic and Edwards. Their head-to-head battle is sure to captivate fans and could set the stage for a long-lasting rivalry between the two teams in the Western Conference.

The details

The Nuggets and Timberwolves have met three times in the playoffs, with Denver holding a 2-1 advantage. Their most recent postseason clash came in 2022, when the Nuggets defeated the Timberwolves 4-2 in the first round. This year's series will mark the first time Jokic and Edwards have faced off in the playoffs.

  • The Nuggets and Timberwolves will begin their playoff series on April 15, 2026.
  • The two teams last met in the playoffs in 2022.

The players

Nikola Jokic

The two-time NBA MVP and the centerpiece of the Denver Nuggets' roster.

Anthony Edwards

The rising star and leading scorer for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

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What they’re saying

“This is going to be a great series between two talented teams. Jokic and Edwards are two of the best players in the league, and their matchup is going to be must-see TV.”

— Chauncey Billups, NBA Analyst

What’s next

The winner of the Nuggets-Timberwolves series will advance to the Western Conference semifinals.

The takeaway

The Nuggets and Timberwolves have developed a compelling rivalry in recent years, and their upcoming playoff matchup featuring two of the league's brightest young stars promises to be an exciting and hard-fought series.