Nuggets Edge Timberwolves in Overtime Thriller
Thursday, December 25, 2025, 10:30 PM ET · Ball Arena
Denver Nuggets 142, Minnesota Timberwolves 138, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.
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Quick answers
Who won Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets?
Denver Nuggets beat Minnesota Timberwolves 142-138 at Ball Arena on December 25, 2025.
Who was favored in Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets?
Minnesota Timberwolves were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -115 (about 53% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling overtime contest, the Denver Nuggets narrowly defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 142-138 at Ball Arena. This victory marks the Nuggets' fourth consecutive win over the Timberwolves, extending their series lead to 4-0 this season. The game showcased the offensive prowess of both teams, with the Nuggets averaging 126.1 points per game at home and the Timberwolves scoring 117.2 points per game on the road in their last ten games.
The Nuggets entered the matchup with a home record of 22-8, while the Timberwolves boasted a strong away record of 20-11. Denver had been on a slight downward trend, losing their last game against the Dallas Mavericks 130-131, but they had previously secured victories against the Utah Jazz and the Orlando Magic. In contrast, Minnesota came into the game riding a three-game winning streak, having defeated the New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, and Oklahoma City Thunder in their last three outings.
At home, the Nuggets had a record of 3-2 in their last five games, averaging 124.0 points scored and allowing 119.6 points. The Timberwolves, on the other hand, had a perfect away record in their last five games, winning all three of their most recent games on the road. The Timberwolves' recent form was bolstered by an impressive performance against the Knicks, where they won 115-104, and a narrow victory over the Bucks, winning 103-100.
In terms of injuries, the Nuggets had Aaron Gordon and Trevon Brazile listed as day-to-day, while the Timberwolves were without Donte DiVincenzo, who was out due to an Achilles injury. DiVincenzo's absence was felt, as he has been a key contributor for Minnesota this season.
The betting market had the Timberwolves favored by 1.5 points according to DraftKings, with a total set at 238.5 points. The odds reflected the close nature of the contest, with both teams capable of high-scoring outputs. The game was played under typical NBA conditions, with both teams looking to capitalize on fast breaks and three-point shooting opportunities.
The overtime period was particularly intense, with both teams exchanging leads. Key moments included free throws made by Nikola Jokic, who played a pivotal role in securing the win for the Nuggets. His ability to convert from the line proved crucial, as he made several key free throws in the closing moments of overtime. The final scoring plays highlighted the tight contest, with Peyton Watson and Bones Hyland contributing to the Nuggets' scoring in the extra period.
Overall, this game was a testament to the competitive nature of the NBA, showcasing two teams that are both capable of high-level play. The Nuggets' ability to hold off the Timberwolves in overtime demonstrates their resilience and depth, while Minnesota's performance reflects their potential as a formidable opponent in the league.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MIN -1.5 | 238.5 o -115 / u -105 | Minnesota Timberwolves -115 · Denver Nuggets -105 |
Injury report
- Aaron GordonDay-To-DayCalfDenver Nuggets
- Trevon BrazileDay-To-DayUndisclosedDenver Nuggets
- Donte DiVincenzoOutAchillesMinnesota Timberwolves
Leaders
- PointsNikola Jokic56Denver Nuggets
- AssistsNikola Jokic15Denver Nuggets
- ReboundsNikola Jokic16Denver Nuggets
- PointsAnthony Edwards44Minnesota Timberwolves
- AssistsDonte DiVincenzo8Minnesota Timberwolves
- ReboundsRudy Gobert12Minnesota Timberwolves
Recent form
Denver Nuggets
Last 10: 7-3Streak L1126.1 scored · 119.3 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L130-131at Dallas MavericksDec 24
- W135-112vs Utah JazzDec 23
- L101-115vs Houston RocketsDec 20
- W126-115vs Orlando MagicDec 19
- W128-125vs Houston RocketsDec 16
- W136-105at Sacramento KingsDec 12
- W115-106at Charlotte HornetsDec 7
- W134-133at Atlanta HawksDec 6
- W135-120at Indiana PacersDec 4
- L121-131vs Dallas MavericksDec 2
Minnesota Timberwolves
Last 10: 8-2Streak W3117.2 scored · 112.2 allowed per game3-0 away
- W115-104vs New York KnicksDec 24
- W103-100vs Milwaukee BucksDec 22
- W112-107vs Oklahoma City ThunderDec 20
- L110-116vs Memphis GrizzliesDec 18
- W117-103vs Sacramento KingsDec 15
- W127-120at Golden State WarriorsDec 13
- L105-108vs Phoenix SunsDec 9
- W109-106vs LA ClippersDec 7
- W125-116at New Orleans PelicansDec 5
- W149-142at New Orleans PelicansDec 3
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 | Minnesota Timberwolves | Denver Nuggets |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 51-104 | 47-101 |
| Field goal % | 49 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 12-45 | 19-43 |
| Three-point % | 27 | 44 |
| Free throws | 24-30 | 29-32 |
| Free throw % | 80 | 91 |
| Rebounds | 47 | 45 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 36 | 34 |
| Assists | 31 | 31 |
| Steals | 10 | 6 |
| Blocks | 12 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 17 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 4 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 4 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 26 |
| Fast-break points | 31 | 14 |
| Points in the paint | 70 | 50 |
| Fouls | 27 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 16 |
| Lead changes | 8 | 8 |
| Time in front | 26 | 66 |
How the scoring went
- 4th Quarter107-113Spencer Jones makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter108-113Anthony Edwards makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter109-113Anthony Edwards makes free throw 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter110-113Anthony Edwards makes free throw 3 of 3
- 4th Quarter112-113Jaden McDaniels makes running dunk (Donte DiVincenzo assists)
- 4th Quarter112-114Nikola Jokic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter112-115Nikola Jokic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter115-115Anthony Edwards makes 24-foot three point shot (Jaden McDaniels assists)
- OT117-115Anthony Edwards makes 17-foot two point shot
- OT118-115Anthony Edwards makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT119-115Anthony Edwards makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT120-115Donte DiVincenzo makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT121-115Donte DiVincenzo makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT124-115Anthony Edwards makes 26-foot three pointer
- OT124-118Nikola Jokic makes 27-foot three point jumper (Jamal Murray assists)
- OT124-121Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 25-foot running jump shot (Jamal Murray assists)
- OT125-121Julius Randle makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT126-121Julius Randle makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT126-124Nikola Jokic makes 27-foot three point jumper (Jamal Murray assists)
- OT126-126Nikola Jokic makes 5-foot driving floating jump shot (Jamal Murray assists)
- OT126-127Nikola Jokic makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT126-128Nikola Jokic makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT128-128Anthony Edwards makes 4-foot two point shot
- OT128-131Jamal Murray makes 27-foot three pointer
- OT128-132Nikola Jokic makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT130-132Anthony Edwards makes 1-foot driving dunk
- OT130-133Nikola Jokic makes technical free throw
- OT130-134Nikola Jokic makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT130-135Nikola Jokic makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT130-136Jamal Murray makes technical free throw
- OT133-135Jaden McDaniels makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- OT133-136Peyton Watson makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT133-137Peyton Watson makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT135-137Donte DiVincenzo makes 3-foot layup (Julius Randle assists)
- OT135-138Nikola Jokic makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT135-139Nikola Jokic makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT136-139Bones Hyland makes free throw 2 of 3
- OT136-140Nikola Jokic makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT136-141Nikola Jokic makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT138-141Bones Hyland makes 1-foot two point shot
Win probability
Above the line favours Denver Nuggets, below favours Minnesota Timberwolves.
Venue
- Ball ArenaDenver, CO
- Attendance20046
- OfficialsScott Foster, Matt Myers, Scott Twardoski
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