Christmas caps off with a can’t-miss Western Conference showdown between the Timberwolves and Nuggets. For Denver, any chance at a win likely depends on Nikola Jokic. The three-time MVP has never been better, posting video game numbers. Can the Serbian superstar carry his squad to another impressive victory?
Denver enters tonight as 1.5-point favorites (-110) over Minnesota. The total is set at 238.5 points. Ahead of Thursday’s contest, here’s my favorite Nikola Jokic prop bet on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Top Nikola Jokic prop bet
The Nuggets have recorded a 125.7 offensive rating, the best mark in all of basketball. Leading the charge, as always, is Nikola Jokic. Through 29 games, he’s averaging 28.9 points, 12.0 rebounds and 10.9 assists. In addition, he’s accounted for über-efficient 60/43/84 shooting splits. What makes The Joker so unique is all the different ways he can impact a game. Whether its as a passer, rebounder or scorer, #15 always makes his presence felt.
Finding success on offense tonight won’t be easy, even for Denver. The Timberwolves wield one of the best defenses in all of basketball, led by rim protector Rudy Gobert. Minnesota has given the Nuggets issues in the past as well, including the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals. The T-Wolves have surrendered 113.5 points per game to opponents this season, eighth-best in the NBA.
Inside the paint might get clogged with Gobert swatting shots. However, it’s not as if the Wolves are slouches on the perimeter. The duo of Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels have limited damage from beyond the arc. Minnesota has given up the fourth-fewest three-pointers per game to opponents (11.9).
With that being said, Jokic has still dominated in this spot. The center is putting up 32.4 points on 58% shooing over his last ten meetings with Minnesota. In seven of those appearances, he’s knocked down at least two three-pointers. That includes the last time these two clubs faced off on November 15th.
The Nuggets are missing three starters on Thursday: Cam Johnson (knee), Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Christian Braun (ankle). Other than Jamal Murray, there aren’t many impact scorers available for Denver. That means even more touches should funnel through Jokic in this one. All it’ll take is a pair of treys for the big man to cash in tonight.
