Who Will Get In?: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets Preview

This. Is. It.  Both teams have worked so hard to get to this point and it is do or die time in Minnesota. The Timberwolves are taking on the Denver Nuggets with a trip to the playoffs on the line for both teams.  It is looking to get interesting as the Timberwolves finally have G Jimmy Butler back in action. While he was away it caused the Wolves to drop from the 3 seed into fighting for a seed in the bottom half.  His presence is huge for this team as it gives veteran leadership and playoff experience to the forefront of this team. They have struggled without him and I’m sure Jimmy is due for a big night tonight in this do or die.  

Minnesota has not been to the playoffs in 14 seasons and they are looking for a change.  It has taken time to rebuild the roster since the departure of Kevin Garnett but I believe they have finally gotten where they need to be.  They have young talent in Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns and a strong, veteran, allstar G in Jimmy Butler leading them through with Coach Tom Thibodeau.  They are at home and looking to make a statement tonight that they are a lot better of a team than their record shows.

The Nuggets haven’t been to playoffs since 2012-13 when George Karl was in charge and won Coach of the Year. The Nuggets have also slipped in their record as they missed bigman Paul Millsap a lot this season. He was off to a hot start giving the Nuggets 16ppg but missed a huge chunk of the season only playing in 37 games.  He will be an important factor tonight grouped with a strong effort from Nikola Jokic as well.

We know that both Jokic and Towns will give it their all tonight and should be posting strong stat lines in this game.  I truly believe this game will come down to perimeter play. With Gary Harris just returning from injury it will important how he and Jamal Murray play against Jeff Teague and Jimmy Butler.  The most important piece in tonight’s match up will be Andrew Wiggins. How hard is he willing to work for the Wolves and will he rise to the occasion? If Wiggins shows up big tonight, I can almost insure that the Wolves will win this game.  

It will be a close one as both teams are fighting for their lives, but I give the edge to the Timberwolves.  They are playing at home with the playoff atmosphere in the building which hasn’t been there in a long time. The fans will be ready, Coach Thibs will be ready, and so will the players.  This is the moment they have been waiting for they just have to capture it.

Written by Nick Kazandjian