Nuggets and Timberwolves Renew Playoff Rivalry in Game 1

The Western Conference quarterfinal matchup features two teams with a recent history of intense postseason battles.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:35am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the frenetic action of an NBA playoff basketball game, with players' forms breaking down into vibrant brushstrokes.The heated playoff rivalry between the Nuggets and Timberwolves is set to boil over once again as the teams clash in the opening round.Denver Today

The Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves will meet in the opening round of the NBA playoffs, continuing a rivalry that has intensified in recent years. The teams have faced off 28 times since 2023, splitting the series evenly at 14 wins each. Both squads are led by star players - Nikola Jokic for the Nuggets and Anthony Edwards for the Timberwolves - and will look to their supporting casts and health to gain an edge in the series.

Why it matters

This playoff matchup between the Nuggets and Timberwolves is a highly anticipated renewal of a budding rivalry. The teams have met in the postseason in two of the last three years, with each side winning a series. Their regular season battles have been closely contested as well, making this a must-watch opening round clash between Western Conference contenders.

The details

The Nuggets and Timberwolves split their four regular season meetings in 2024-25, but Denver took three of four this past season, including an overtime thriller on Christmas. Both teams have dealt with key injuries, with Minnesota's Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels and Denver's Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun all missing time. The status of several Nuggets role players for Game 1 remains unclear. Stopping Nikola Jokic will be Minnesota's top priority, as the MVP candidate averaged a triple-double against them this season.

  • The Nuggets and Timberwolves will tip off Game 1 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series on Saturday afternoon.
  • Since the start of the 2023 season, the teams have played 28 times, including the playoffs, with each side winning 14 games.

The players

Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets' star center, who averaged a triple-double against Minnesota this season with 35.8 points, 15 rebounds and 11.3 assists per game.

Anthony Edwards

The Minnesota Timberwolves' outspoken and dynamic young guard, who averaged 30.3 points per game against Denver in the regular season.

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What they’re saying

“Probably gotta call God and talk to him for a little bit and ask him for a few favors.”

— Julius Randle, Timberwolves forward

“To win a championship, you need the guys to step up at the right moment. If it is not your night one game, it's OK because the next one is coming soon. I think we need everybody on our roster. Everybody needs to step up.”

— Nikola Jokic

What’s next

The status of several key players, including the Nuggets' Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones, will be closely monitored leading up to Game 1 on Saturday.

The takeaway

This first-round playoff matchup between the Nuggets and Timberwolves has the makings of another intense, high-stakes battle between two Western Conference contenders with a recent history of fierce postseason competition.