To even think about winning the loaded Western Conference, any team needs a superstar. In that regard, both the Timberwolves and Nuggets are poised for a deep playoff run. Minnesota, led by Anthony Edwards, has won five of its previous six games. Those winning ways will be put to the test in a Christmas nightcap. Denver and Nikola Jokic have its eyes set on another title; Thursday’s contest will be a litmus test for both sides.
Which of these contenders has the edge in this holiday showdown? Below is my prediction and pick for Thursday’s game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets.
The Nuggets are 3.5-point favorites (-110) over the Timberwolves on DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total set at 239.5 points. Denver is favored at -166 on the moneyline.
Timberwolves vs. Nuggets prediction, preview
Both of these squads are more than just one-man shows. Still, there’s a reason Edwards and Jokic are the headliners. For the former, it’s been another terrific season. Through 23 games, Ant-Man is averaging 28.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists. From the field, he’s notched stellar 49/40/82 shooting splits. Those numbers have been vital for an otherwise mediocre Minnesota offense. The Timberwolves are only putting up the 12th-most points per game in basketball (118.5). Other than Julius Randle, Edwards is the only man on the roster capable to serve as a lead scorer.
Their offensive output is inconsistent, but the Wolves operate at their best on the other end of the court. Minnesota ranks fifth in basketball with a 112.6 defensive rating. Down low, Rudy Gobert remains one of the NBA’s premier rim protectors. This season, he’s blocking 1.5 shots per game. At forward, Jaden McDaniels is emerging as one of the sport’s best perimeter defenders. Those two, along with Edwards, form an elite defensive trio that can frustrate almost anyone.
With that being said, getting stops could be difficult against this Denver offense. That’s due in large part to the continued excellence of Nikola Jokic. It’s been another banner year for the future Hall-of-Famer in 2025. Over 29 appearances, he’s recorded 28.9 points, 12.0 rebounds and 10.9 assists while shooting 60% from the field. Those video game numbers almost single-handedly guarantee the Nuggets rank among the NBA’s top offenses.
To make things even more difficult on Minnesota, other names warrant defensive attention on this roster. Jamal Murray is Mr. Clutch, often saving his best basketball for the most important games. This season, he’s accounted for 25.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game. Denver’s bench, while unimpressive, has shown major improvement compared to last season. Unfortunately, starters Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Christian Braun (ankle) remain out of action. In addition, offseason acquisition Cam Johnson (knee) picked up an injury of his own this week. On the flip side, McDaniels (hip) is the only Timberwolves contributor listed as questionable.
Timberwolves vs. Nuggets pick, best bet
This matchup has proven difficult for the Nuggets in years past. Who can forget the 2024 Western Conference Semifinals, in which Minnesota upset the defending champions? Still, these rosters have undergone significant changes since then. If healthy, Denver would be a difficult assignment for any club. However, the absence of three starters is impossible to overlook. The Timberwolves, even if McDaniels is out, come into this one as the much healthier squad. Keeping that in mind, expect the visitors to emerge victorious on Thursday night.
