The Nuggets vs Timberwolves Bets aim to see if the Denver Nuggets can rebound off a rough Game 1. Can Denver figure out what went wrong and try to right the wrongs on Monday night? Bovada Vegas Sportsbook Review takes a few more kicks at the can in this Western Conference showdown. Minnesota showed a few vulnerabilities in Denver’s defense that were unexpected.
Nuggets vs Timberwolves Bets delivered a twist on Saturday night. Yes, most pundits figured Denver would get off to a good start and hold off Minnesota in Game 1. That did not quite materialize. The Timberwolves stayed close and rode a hot second half to a 106-99 victory. Naz Reid delivered 14 of his 16 points in the final stanza. Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards unloaded 43 points against the Nuggets.
However, what shocked almost everyone was how well the Timberwolves shot in the second half. They brought the house down shooting 71.1% from the field over the final 24 minutes. Despite that, Denver still had chances to win the game on Saturday. Consider the problems Denver had on offense. Scoring 99 points at home was very much not what people counted on. Give Minnesota credit as they played an unbelievable second half.
Minnesota's organized offense rates this postseason:
— Cranjis McBasketball (@Tim_NBA) May 5, 2024
Vs Phoenix
G1: 60%
G2: 61%
G3: 67%
G4: 57%
Vs Denver
G1: 58%
61% average over 5 games. In 2 years under Ham, the Lakers only reached that point towards the very end of the 2022-23 regular season. Never once this year.
Now Game 2 rounds back into form with some excellent NBA playoff Vegas Odds and a few wrinkles to boot. Can Nikola Jokic rebounds from a poor effort? Will Jamal Murray show up in the first half? Again, Minnesota kept attacking. Can Michael Malone and the Nuggets adjust to what is coming at them?
Anyway, the Moneyline is between -215 and -230. That is not ideal here for Monday night from Denver. If the Nuggets are south of 50 points in the first half again on Monday, this series is likely 2-0 heading back to Minnesota for Game 3. If Jokic does not try too hard, the feeling is that Denver can win and cover Game 2 on Monday night.
Nuggets vs Timberwolves bets go for rarified props on Monday. NBA Online Prop Bets attempt to drop some hot picks after a solid Cleveland Game 7 win on Sunday. While some pivot to the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers, focusing on the Nuggets is not a bad move. Again, Jokic turning the ball over seven times does not feel likely. Neither do the chances of him shooting 2-for-9 from three-point range.
Therefore, we take on some point props first and foremost. Jokic likely will get to 30 with ease. How high do we go is the question? The Over 29.5 points is EVEN. Why not take another roll at this? Even further, he scored 32 on a somewhat rough shooting night. The Over of 31.5 points lies at +125 now. It may be time to get in on this value while a bettor can.
Some stats from this preview that stuck out to me:
— Jack Borman (@jrborman13) May 4, 2024
Since the start of 2022-23 (inc. playoffs) KAT has held Jokić to 48 points on 17/46 FG (37.0%).
That is the lowest FG% of any player who has guarded Jokić as much as KAT has. Next lowest is Alperen Şengün at 49.6% https://t.co/0i5Hq0SkLq pic.twitter.com/OlGeAaQleg
Yes, the key becomes Jokic getting Towns into foul trouble as soon as possible. Also, the big man from Denver carries the ability to take over the game. Additionally, it opens the door for more props. The Over for points and rebounds stands at only 41.5 at -115. Even a look at the Jokic triple-double is at +150 as the Center was so close in Game 1.
So, that +135 number for two threes made is our pick here in the Nuggets vs Timberwolves Bets. Yes, props keep adding up here. Furthermore, Jokic making 3+ three-pointers jumped up to +350. No one is saying to break the bank here but a couple of dollars on this prop makes sense. Jokic attempted nine threes in all during Game 1. The chances he makes three or more increases on Monday.
Nuggets vs Timberwolves bets prop things up. Here, at Vegas Betting, we keep digging at it turns out some wagers unbelievably hit over the weekend. Imagine thinking Philadelphia or Orlando were going to advance to Round 2. Many like the Michael Porter Jr. Over of 1.5 steals even at +150. There are several players in the steal category that intrigue wagerers.
Okay, let us dig into a few team props here too. Can Denver hold Minnesota under 100 points? This seems difficult given the matchup. The Under 99.5 points carries the potential to deliver. At +100 err EVEN, Denver could very well hold Minnesota to 99 points. After all, Minnesota did it to Denver. Why couldn’t the Nuggets return the favor in Game 2?
Next, we can move up the point total for Denver at Over 107.5 on BetOnline. This feels attainable for the Nuggets and at +120, it feels like a solid number.
Our pick here is taking the swing with Denver holding Minnesota to fewer than 100 points on Monday night. This game could be one that drives us to the cash line.
NBA Online Vegas betting odds and the early week schedule have several contests which can move the needle on Monday and even Tuesday. Do not forget that the Cleveland-Boston series and Oklahoma City-Dallas series both start on Tuesday night. The latter will be one not to miss as the young Thunder see if they can continue on their run.
Can Boston continue to keep winning against a game Cavaliers squad? Yes, the NBA Playoffs keep creating its own level of fun. People thought Round 1 was crazy. Honestly, Round 2 has only begun. Good luck!
Summary
Chris Wassel AA, AAS CURRENTLY Sports Writer and Journalist RESIDES IN Rahway, NJ EDUCATION Union County College, Montclair State University EXPERTISE Business, Writing, Sports, Food, Grilling, Olympics, Injuries, Politics, and more Summary Member of FSWA, FSGA, and a variety of Sports Betting Groups. Lead arranger of news and injury reports for Rotoballer Hockey. Also did the news lead for NASCAR on the same site coming out of COVID. Strategy and mapping out of various sports betting and sports articles for MyNHLTradeRumors and gambling.com. Runs a hockey and fantasy hockey podcast that teaches fantasy hockey players how to improve their skills. Experience Chris Wassel has 20+ years of sports journalistic experience in various disciplines.. His ability to play sports is well documented. Most people in the business just write. However, Chris will race cars and even a super Moto bike from time to time. There is that fitness and hiking/cycling aspect too. Chris has climbed mountains from Mount Washington to Mount San Jacinto in Palm Springs, California. For those that do not know. Chris also dabbles in food eating contests and challenges. Having a unique background with friends including Joey Chestnut and Casey Webb, Chris has the ability to eat a whole 16-pound turkey or a 32 inch meat lover's pizza. Since 2013, Chris has primarily focused on sports writing and fitness. On social media, he will answer any question in many different aspects. Even Chris's ability to wager on Entertainment and US Elections is well documented. He was able to predict Joe Biden's inevitable dip in approval rating below 40%. Throughout his career, Chris has worked at a lot of places from DraftKings to USA Today and much more. Finally, Chris has been nominated for quite a few awards from the Fantasy Sports Writers Association for Hockey Writer Of The Year. Also, there have been a number of amazing fantasy hockey championships from expert to high-stake leagues. Education Chris received an Associates from Union Country College for business and accounting. Chris did sports journalism work at Montclair State University covering the hockey, baseball, and football teams. Quote from Chris Wassel "Do Not Think, Just Do.”
Education
1999 Graduate of Union County College
1993 Graduate of Rahway High School
Professional Achievements
Media credentialed member of the New Jersey Devils since 2010
Covered several NHL Drafts including the one day event in Newark in 2013
Been on countless podcasts, TV shows, and more including Sportsnet and even NHL Network