Timberwolves Dominate Nuggets in Playoff Clash
Thursday, April 23, 2026, 9:30 PM ET · Target Center
Minnesota Timberwolves 113, Denver Nuggets 96, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves?
Minnesota Timberwolves beat Denver Nuggets 113-96 at Target Center on April 23, 2026.
Who was favored in Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves?
Minnesota Timberwolves were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -112 (about 53% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive playoff matchup, the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Denver Nuggets with a final score of 113-96 at the Target Center. This victory not only showcased the Timberwolves' resilience but also marked a significant moment in their playoff journey, as they aimed to turn the tide in a series where the Nuggets had previously led 3-1.
The Timberwolves entered this game with a home record of 49-33 and had been displaying mixed form in their last ten games, achieving a record of 5-5. However, they were on a two-game winning streak, averaging 115.2 points scored while allowing 115.5 points over that stretch. Their recent games included a notable win against the New Orleans Pelicans, where they triumphed 132-126. In contrast, the Nuggets came into the contest with a strong away record of 54-28 and an impressive ten-game winning streak, having not lost in their last ten outings. They averaged 131.2 points scored and allowed 120.7 points during this run, showcasing their offensive prowess.
At home, the Timberwolves had a record of 2-2 in their last four games, while the Nuggets boasted a perfect away record of 3-0 in their recent travels. Historically, the Timberwolves had faced the Nuggets eight times in the current and previous season, holding a slight edge with a 5-3 record against them. Their last meeting resulted in a Timberwolves victory on April 2, 2025, where they edged out the Nuggets 140-139.
In terms of injuries, the Timberwolves were without Donte DiVincenzo, who was sidelined due to an Achilles issue. The Nuggets had two players listed as day-to-day: Aaron Gordon, who was dealing with a calf injury, and Trevon Brazile, whose status was undisclosed. This injury situation added an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup, as both teams had to adapt to the absence of key players.
The betting market reflected a competitive atmosphere, with DraftKings listing the Timberwolves as 1.5-point favorites. The total points line was set at 231.5, with odds of -115.0 for the over and -105.0 for the under, indicating an expectation of a high-scoring affair. The moneyline odds were closely matched, with the Timberwolves at -112.0 and the Nuggets at -108.0, suggesting that oddsmakers viewed this game as a toss-up.
As the game unfolded, the Timberwolves took control early, establishing a lead that they maintained throughout the contest. Key scoring plays in the fourth quarter included a driving layup by Ayo Dosunmu and a dunk by Donte DiVincenzo, which helped solidify the Timberwolves' advantage. The Nuggets struggled to find their rhythm, ultimately unable to keep pace with the Timberwolves’ offensive output.
The conditions at the Target Center were conducive to a strong home performance, as the Timberwolves capitalized on their home-court advantage. Fans were treated to a display of teamwork and determination from the Timberwolves, who demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure.
Overall, the Timberwolves' victory not only provided a crucial win in the series but also highlighted their potential to challenge the Nuggets moving forward. The game served as a reminder of the unpredictability of playoff basketball, where any team can rise to the occasion and deliver a standout performance.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MIN -1.5 | 231.5 o -115 / u -105 | Denver Nuggets -108 · Minnesota Timberwolves -112 |
Injury report
- Donte DiVincenzoOutAchillesMinnesota Timberwolves
- Aaron GordonDay-To-DayCalfDenver Nuggets
- Trevon BrazileDay-To-DayUndisclosedDenver Nuggets
Leaders
- PointsAyo Dosunmu25Minnesota Timberwolves
- AssistsAyo Dosunmu9Minnesota Timberwolves
- ReboundsRudy Gobert12Minnesota Timberwolves
- PointsNikola Jokic27Denver Nuggets
- AssistsJamal Murray4Denver Nuggets
- ReboundsNikola Jokic15Denver Nuggets
Recent form
Minnesota Timberwolves
Last 10: 5-5Streak W2115.2 scored · 115.5 allowed per game2-2 at home
- W132-126vs New Orleans PelicansApr 13
- W136-132at Houston RocketsApr 11
- L120-132at Orlando MagicApr 8
- W124-104at Indiana PacersApr 7
- L108-122vs Charlotte HornetsApr 5
- L103-115at Philadelphia 76ersApr 3
- L108-113at Detroit PistonsApr 2
- W124-94at Dallas MavericksMar 31
- L87-109vs Detroit PistonsMar 28
- W110-108vs Houston RocketsMar 26
Denver Nuggets
Last 10: 10-0Streak W10131.2 scored · 120.7 allowed per game3-0 away
- W128-118at San Antonio SpursApr 13
- W127-107vs Oklahoma City ThunderApr 11
- W136-119vs Memphis GrizzliesApr 9
- W137-132vs Portland Trail BlazersApr 7
- W136-134vs San Antonio SpursApr 4
- W130-117at Utah JazzApr 2
- W116-93vs Golden State WarriorsMar 30
- W135-129vs Utah JazzMar 28
- W142-135vs Dallas MavericksMar 26
- W125-123at Phoenix SunsMar 25
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | - | 18 | L2 | .780 | 64 |
| Denver | 10 | 28 | W12 | .659 | 54 |
| Minnesota | 15 | 33 | W2 | .598 | 49 |
| Portland | 22 | 40 | W2 | .512 | 42 |
| Utah | 42 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
Box score
| Stat | Denver Nuggets | Minnesota Timberwolves |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-82 | 44-93 |
| Field goal % | 34 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 8-32 | 9-34 |
| Three-point % | 25 | 26 |
| Free throws | 32-40 | 16-21 |
| Free throw % | 80 | 76 |
| Rebounds | 40 | 53 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 34 | 41 |
| Assists | 12 | 31 |
| Steals | 5 | 6 |
| Blocks | 2 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 4 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 21 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 68 |
| Fouls | 18 | 27 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 27 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 97 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter60-84Ayo Dosunmu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter60-85Ayo Dosunmu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter61-85Julian Strawther makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter61-86Rudy Gobert makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter64-86Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (Bruce Brown assists)
- 3rd Quarter65-86Tim Hardaway Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter66-86Tim Hardaway Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter66-88Ayo Dosunmu makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter68-88Bruce Brown makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter69-88Zeke Nnaji makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter70-88Zeke Nnaji makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter72-88Jamal Murray makes 15-foot pullup jump shot (Zeke Nnaji assists)
- 4th Quarter72-90Ayo Dosunmu makes layup (Julius Randle assists)
- 4th Quarter72-91Anthony Edwards makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter72-92Anthony Edwards makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter75-92Spencer Jones makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jamal Murray assists)
- 4th Quarter76-92Tim Hardaway Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter76-94Julius Randle makes 2-foot two point shot (Ayo Dosunmu assists)
- 4th Quarter76-96Jaden McDaniels makes 1-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter79-96Nikola Jokic makes 25-foot three point jumper (Bruce Brown assists)
- 4th Quarter79-97Rudy Gobert makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter79-98Rudy Gobert makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter81-98Jamal Murray makes 2-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter82-98Nikola Jokic makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter83-98Nikola Jokic makes free throw 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter84-98Nikola Jokic makes free throw 3 of 3
- 4th Quarter84-101Jaden McDaniels makes 25-foot three point jumper (Donte DiVincenzo assists)
- 4th Quarter86-101Bruce Brown makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter86-103Jaden McDaniels makes driving dunk (Ayo Dosunmu assists)
- 4th Quarter89-103Julian Strawther makes 25-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter90-103Jalen Pickett makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter90-105Julius Randle makes driving layup (Ayo Dosunmu assists)
- 4th Quarter92-105Julian Strawther makes 5-foot driving floating jump shot (Jalen Pickett assists)
- 4th Quarter92-107Ayo Dosunmu makes driving layup (Julius Randle assists)
- 4th Quarter93-107Zeke Nnaji makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-107Zeke Nnaji makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-108Julius Randle makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-108Tyus Jones makes 10-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter96-111Donte DiVincenzo makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ayo Dosunmu assists)
- 4th Quarter96-113Donte DiVincenzo makes dunk (Ayo Dosunmu assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Minnesota Timberwolves, below favours Denver Nuggets.
Venue
- Target CenterMinneapolis, MN
- Attendance18978
- OfficialsKevin Cutler, Scott Foster, Sean Corbin, Justin Van Duyne
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These two, other days
- Timberwolves Defeat Nuggets 110-98 in Playoff ShowdownApr 30, 2026
- Nuggets Secure Victory Over Timberwolves in Playoff ClashApr 27, 2026
- Timberwolves Defeat Nuggets 112-96 at Target CenterApr 25, 2026
- Timberwolves Edge Nuggets in Thrilling ContestApr 20, 2026
- Nuggets Secure Victory Over Timberwolves in Playoff ClashApr 18, 2026