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NBA · Final

Nuggets Secure Victory Over Timberwolves in Playoff Clash

Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves49-33
105
Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets54-28
116

Saturday, April 18, 2026, 3:30 PM ET · Ball Arena

Denver Nuggets 116, Minnesota Timberwolves 105, 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 Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets?

Denver Nuggets beat Minnesota Timberwolves 116-105 at Ball Arena on April 18, 2026.

Who was favored in Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets?

Denver Nuggets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -270 (about 73% implied). The favorite won.

The Denver Nuggets triumphed over the Minnesota Timberwolves with a final score of 116-105 at Ball Arena, solidifying their dominance in the series, which they now lead 3-1. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it showcased the Nuggets' impressive home record of 54-28 against the Timberwolves' 49-33. Denver's recent form has been exceptional, as they entered the game on a ten-game winning streak, averaging 131.2 points scored and allowing 120.7 points over their last ten games. In contrast, the Timberwolves have experienced a more mixed performance, holding a record of 5-5 in their last ten games, with an average of 115.2 points scored and 115.5 points allowed.

The Nuggets' home dominance was evident throughout the season, boasting a perfect 10-0 record over their last ten home games. Their scoring prowess at home has been remarkable, with an average of 132.8 points in their last five games at Ball Arena. The Timberwolves, while performing decently at home, have struggled slightly on the road, with a 3-3 record in their last six away games.

In terms of head-to-head matchups, the Nuggets have faced the Timberwolves eight times recently, with a record of 3-5 against them in those meetings. The most recent encounter prior to this game took place on March 1, 2026, where the Nuggets lost 108-117 at home. However, they had previously secured victories in two out of three meetings earlier in the season, including a notable 142-138 win on December 26, 2025.

Injury concerns played a role in the matchup, with the Nuggets' Aaron Gordon and Trevon Brazile listed as day-to-day, while the Timberwolves were without Donte DiVincenzo, who is out due to an Achilles injury. This could have impacted the Timberwolves' performance, especially considering DiVincenzo's contributions during the season.

The betting odds from DraftKings reflected the Nuggets' strong position heading into the game, with a spread of -7.5 in favor of Denver and a total set at 232.5 points. The moneyline indicated a strong likelihood of a Nuggets victory, priced at -270, while the Timberwolves were at +220.

Conditions at Ball Arena were conducive for basketball, with fans in attendance supporting the Nuggets as they looked to extend their playoff run. As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a showcase of skill, highlighted by key plays in the fourth quarter. Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon each contributed crucial free throws, while Nikola Jokic and Cameron Johnson made significant shots to maintain the Nuggets' lead.

The final moments of the game saw the Timberwolves attempting to close the gap, with Julius Randle scoring a driving dunk to bring the score to 116-105. However, it was too late for a comeback, and the Nuggets secured the win, reinforcing their status as a formidable playoff contender.

Odds

BookSpreadTotalMoneyline
DraftKingsDEN -7.5 232.5 o -110 / u -110 Minnesota Timberwolves +220 · Denver Nuggets -270

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

  • Aaron GordonDay-To-DayCalfDenver Nuggets
  • Trevon BrazileDay-To-DayUndisclosedDenver Nuggets
  • Donte DiVincenzoOutAchillesMinnesota Timberwolves

Leaders

  • PointsJamal Murray30Denver Nuggets
  • AssistsNikola Jokic11Denver Nuggets
  • ReboundsNikola Jokic13Denver Nuggets
  • PointsAnthony Edwards22Minnesota Timberwolves
  • AssistsAnthony Edwards7Minnesota Timberwolves
  • ReboundsRudy Gobert10Minnesota Timberwolves

Recent form

Denver Nuggets

Last 10: 10-0Streak W10131.2 scored · 120.7 allowed per game7-0 at home

  • 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

Minnesota Timberwolves

Last 10: 5-5Streak W2115.2 scored · 115.5 allowed per game3-3 away

  • 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

Standings

TeamGames behindLostStreakWin %Won
Oklahoma City-18L2.78064
Denver1028W12.65954
Minnesota1533W2.59849
Portland2240W2.51242
Utah4260L1.26822

Box score

StatMinnesota TimberwolvesDenver Nuggets
Field goals40-8738-87
Field goal %4644
Three-pointers11-3410-36
Three-point %3228
Free throws14-1930-33
Free throw %7491
Rebounds4347
Offensive rebounds78
Defensive rebounds3639
Assists2127
Steals77
Blocks31
Turnovers1313
Team turnovers01
Technical fouls22
Technical fouls, total22
Flagrant fouls10
Points off turnovers1717
Fast-break points1414
Points in the paint5442
Fouls2517
Largest lead1215
Lead changes88
Time in front4351

How the scoring went

  1. 3rd Quarter70-82Jaden McDaniels makes 5-foot turnaround jump shot
  2. 3rd Quarter70-83Jamal Murray makes technical free throw
  3. 3rd Quarter70-85Jamal Murray makes 17-foot two point shot
  4. 3rd Quarter72-85Jaden McDaniels makes driving layup
  5. 3rd Quarter73-85Anthony Edwards makes free throw 1 of 2
  6. 3rd Quarter74-85Anthony Edwards makes free throw 2 of 2
  7. 3rd Quarter74-87Nikola Jokic makes driving layup (Tim Hardaway Jr. assists)
  8. 3rd Quarter74-89Nikola Jokic makes 13-foot pullup jump shot (Bruce Brown assists)
  9. 3rd Quarter76-89Anthony Edwards makes driving layup
  10. 3rd Quarter79-89Mike Conley makes 23-foot three point jumper (Anthony Edwards assists)
  11. 3rd Quarter79-91Nikola Jokic makes 11-foot floating jump shot (Jamal Murray assists)
  12. 4th Quarter81-91Julius Randle makes driving layup
  13. 4th Quarter83-91Rudy Gobert makes dunk (Julius Randle assists)
  14. 4th Quarter83-93Jamal Murray makes 15-foot step back jumpshot
  15. 4th Quarter86-93Ayo Dosunmu makes 25-foot running jump shot (Anthony Edwards assists)
  16. 4th Quarter89-93Anthony Edwards makes 25-foot three pointer (Rudy Gobert assists)
  17. 4th Quarter89-95Aaron Gordon makes driving layup (Nikola Jokic assists)
  18. 4th Quarter91-95Rudy Gobert makes driving layup (Julius Randle assists)
  19. 4th Quarter91-97Christian Braun makes 21-foot jumper (Nikola Jokic assists)
  20. 4th Quarter93-97Rudy Gobert makes 1-foot dunk
  21. 4th Quarter95-97Ayo Dosunmu makes driving layup (Donte DiVincenzo assists)
  22. 4th Quarter95-99Nikola Jokic makes 9-foot driving floating jump shot (Aaron Gordon assists)
  23. 4th Quarter95-100Nikola Jokic makes free throw 1 of 1
  24. 4th Quarter95-102Nikola Jokic makes tip shot
  25. 4th Quarter95-103Christian Braun makes free throw 1 of 2
  26. 4th Quarter95-104Christian Braun makes free throw 2 of 2
  27. 4th Quarter97-104Julius Randle makes 9-foot fade away jump shot
  28. 4th Quarter97-106Bruce Brown makes 2-foot running dunk (Nikola Jokic assists)
  29. 4th Quarter98-106Anthony Edwards makes free throw 1 of 2
  30. 4th Quarter99-106Anthony Edwards makes free throw 2 of 2
  31. 4th Quarter101-106Julius Randle makes layup
  32. 4th Quarter101-108Aaron Gordon makes 1-foot dunk (Jamal Murray assists)
  33. 4th Quarter101-109Jamal Murray makes free throw 1 of 1
  34. 4th Quarter101-110Aaron Gordon makes free throw 1 of 2
  35. 4th Quarter101-112Cameron Johnson makes 12-foot pullup jump shot (Nikola Jokic assists)
  36. 4th Quarter101-114Nikola Jokic makes two point shot (Aaron Gordon assists)
  37. 4th Quarter103-114Anthony Edwards makes 1-foot two point shot
  38. 4th Quarter103-115Tim Hardaway Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
  39. 4th Quarter103-116Tim Hardaway Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
  40. 4th Quarter105-116Julius Randle makes 1-foot driving dunk

Win probability

Above the line favours Denver Nuggets, below favours Minnesota Timberwolves.

Venue

  • Ball ArenaDenver, CO
  • Attendance19796
  • OfficialsZach Zarba, Eric Dalen, Dedric Taylor, Jacyn Goble

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Fixture data from the league feeds. The report was written from the recorded facts for this game and nothing else.