Nuggets and Timberwolves Renew Playoff Rivalry

The two Western Conference foes meet in the postseason for the third straight year.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 3:13am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game between two teams, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of color, conveying the intensity and competitiveness of the matchup.The Nuggets and Timberwolves' intense playoff rivalry is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs the action on the court.Denver Today

The Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves will face off in the NBA playoffs for the third consecutive season, continuing their budding rivalry. The Nuggets defeated the Timberwolves in the 2023 playoffs on their way to the NBA championship, but Minnesota got revenge with a Game 7 upset in the 2024 postseason, derailing Denver's repeat bid.

Why it matters

The Nuggets and Timberwolves have developed one of the most compelling rivalries in the NBA over the past few seasons, with their playoff matchups featuring intense, high-stakes basketball. Their latest clash will be must-see TV for basketball fans as two of the Western Conference's top teams battle for a spot in the next round.

The details

The Nuggets and Timberwolves have met in the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, with Denver winning in 2023 before Minnesota got its revenge a year later. Both teams are led by young superstars, with Nikola Jokic and Anthony Edwards emerging as two of the league's brightest talents. Their contrasting styles - the Nuggets' methodical, pass-heavy approach vs. the Timberwolves' high-octane, up-tempo attack - have made for thrilling playoff series.

  • The Nuggets and Timberwolves will tip off their first-round playoff series on April 18, 2026.
  • Denver defeated Minnesota in the 2023 playoffs on its way to the NBA title.
  • The Timberwolves got revenge with a Game 7 upset of the Nuggets in the 2024 postseason.

The players

Nikola Jokic

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

Anthony Edwards

The dynamic young guard who leads the Timberwolves' high-powered attack.

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What they’re saying

“These two teams have developed such an intense rivalry over the past few years. It's always a battle when we play each other, and I expect this series to be no different.”

— Nikola Jokic, Nuggets Center

“We've been waiting for this rematch all year. We know what it takes to beat Denver in the playoffs, and we're ready to go out there and prove it again.”

— Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves Guard

What’s next

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

The takeaway

The Nuggets and Timberwolves have established themselves as two of the top teams in the Western Conference, and their playoff battles have become must-see TV for basketball fans. This latest clash between the two rivals promises to be another intense, high-stakes series that could come down to the wire.