Preview: Denver Nuggets play matinee game against Minnesota Timberwolves

It’s a noon game for the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves today. It is the third matchup this season between the division rivals, with each team winning a game apiece. While the Nuggets are on a hot streak and look like a finalist again, the Wolves haven’t had the same success. After trading Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle in the offseason, Minnesota has been underwhelming to say the least. Even superstar Anthony Edwards hasn’t looked this dominant of a player. Still, there is plenty of time to right the ship. The Nuggets need a full four quarters of effort if they are to win on the road.

The essential

WHO: Denver Nuggets (28-16) at Minnesota Timberwolves (23-21)

When: 1:00 PM MST.

Where: Where budgets go to Die Center. Minneapolis, MN.

How to watch/listen: Denver Stiffs does not condone piracy (and honestly, if you can’t get this game on your TV, I’m going to assume it’s offline). Altitude TV, Altitude+, ABC, ESPN+, Altitude Radio 92.5 FM.

Rival Blog: Canis Hoopus

Matchups

Damage report: Vlatko Cancar – out (knee), DaRon Holmes II – out (achilles), Trey Alexander – out (G-League), Spencer Jones – out (G-League); Anthony Edwards – Questionable (Illness), Donte DiVincenzo – Out (Toe), Terrence Shannon Jr. – out (foot), Jesse Edwards – out (G-League), Tristen Newton – out (G-League).

The three things

Things to watch out for: Who will score the ball for Minnesota?

Edwards is questionable with an illness and has a shortened recovery/prep window because of the early tip. Even if he walks, how much energy will he have? Outside of Ant, it’s been a struggle to find consistent scoring for Minnesota (or at least … consistent effective scoring). Donte DiVincenzo looked like the guy to fill the scoreboard when he entered Minnesota’s starting lineup, but he is now out indefinitely with a toe injury. Randle can always get hot, but he’s just as likely to hurt you with his volume as he is to help. Jaden McDaniels appears to have the latest chance to increase his shot volume, so look for Christian Braun or Russell Westbrook to stick with him.

Things to remember: Minnesota is not great at home

The Wolves are a strange team. They actually have a better record on the road than they do at home, where they are just .500. They haven’t been that great against Denver at home either. They narrowly escaped with a win at the Target Center earlier this season and lost two of three there against the Nuggets in the playoffs last year. The early start probably works in Minnesota’s favor as they get to sleep in their own beds, but the Nuggets also flew in early yesterday and should be well rested.

Things to bet on: Pass

I have a few rules I don’t like to deviate from when it comes to sports betting, and one of them is that I don’t bet on NBA day games. Weird things happen in these games and they are just too hard to predict for me.