Jun 12, 2026
Polymarket Invite Code DIMERS extends $50 bonus through NBA Finals Game 5
Read Article Nuggets vs. Timberwolves prediction: Why Minnesota is favored to win Game 3 [2026 NBA Playoffs]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Dave Garofolo, Content Producer
Get Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves predictions for NBA Playoffs Thursday.
NBA Playoffs action continues on Thursday at 9:30 PM ET as the Denver Nuggets take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 of their 2026 NBA Playoffs series at Target Center.
Based on the latest simulation results and today’s injury updates, Dimers' advanced NBA model predicts the Timberwolves as the most likely winner of the Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Game 3 matchup.
This prediction follows the latest NBA Injury Report, which suggests the Timberwolves lineup will feature stars like Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels, while the Nuggets will look to Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic and Christian Braun.
This article offers an expanded analysis of Thursday's matchup, including an expanded look at the predicted score, best bets and player prop picks.
Nuggets vs. Wolves prediction: Who will win Game 3?
Using trusted machine learning and data, we have simulated the result of Thursday's NBA Playoffs game between the Nuggets and Timberwolves, forming part of our NBA predictions coverage.
Our leading predictive model gives the Timberwolves a 55% chance of beating the Nuggets in Game 3 of the series. Our predicted final score has the Timberwolves winning 116-115.
According to our model, the Timberwolves (-1.5) have a 51% chance of covering the spread, while the over/under total of 232.5 points has a 52% chance of staying under.
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Game 3 odds
We have researched the best NBA odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Nuggets | Timberwolves |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +1.5 (-118) | -1.5 (+102) |
| Moneyline | +100 | -112 |
| Total | o232.5 (-105) | u232.5 (-107) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves picks and best bet for Game 3
After matching our predictions against the best available odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Timberwolves -1.5 | +102 |
| Moneyline | Timberwolves | -112 |
| Total | Under 232.5 | -107 |
According to our best NBA bets for Thursday, the top play to make on this game is Timberwolves to win.
These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the sportsbook odds.
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Game 3 player props
Looking for Denver vs. Minnesota NBA player props? We have crunched the numbers to project how each team's leading players will perform at Target Center.
Jamal Murray is expected to lead the Nuggets with 30 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists, while Anthony Edwards is projected to have 29 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the Timberwolves.
Check out our NBA player projections for a full range of projected box scores, including points, assists, rebounds and today's NBA first basket picks.
Nuggets prediction
Our model's projected player stats for the Nuggets are:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamal Murray | 30 | 5 | 8 | 3 | 54 |
| Nikola Jokic | 30 | 14 | 13 | 2 | 74 |
| Christian Braun | 13 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 27 |
| Cameron Johnson | 12 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 25 |
| Tim Hardaway | 12 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 21 |
Timberwolves prediction
Projected points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers made for the Timberwolves:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Edwards | 29 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 50 |
| Julius Randle | 20 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 40 |
| Jaden McDaniels | 16 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 31 |
| Ayo Dosunmu | 12 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 26 |
| Naz Reid | 12 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 25 |
Nuggets vs. Wolves Game 3 updates and essential details
Thursday's Game 3 between the Timberwolves and Nuggets in the NBA Playoffs is scheduled to commence at 9:30 PM ET.
- Who: Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
- Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
- Time: 9:30 PM ET/6:30PM PT
- Venue: Target Center
- NBA Playoffs bracket: Updated NBA Playoffs bracket and schedule
The NBA Playoffs is an annual postseason tournament held to decide the league's champion.
Sixteen teams, including the Nuggets and Timberwolves, made the 2026 NBA Playoffs, which spans four rounds: the First Round, Conference Semifinals, Conference Finals, and NBA Finals.
Each round is played as a best-of-seven series, with the first team to four wins moving on to the next round until a champion is crowned.
NBA postseason promo code for Novig
Make the most of Dimers' Nuggets vs. Timberwolves predictions by exploring the below offer from Novig.
Conclusion
We predict the Timberwolves, with a 55% win probability, will likely beat the Nuggets in Thursday's NBA playoffs matchup.
Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.
Dave Garofolo uses sophisticated AI-driven analytics to make predictions and evaluate player performances in the NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, NCAAM, and PGA TOUR tournaments, crafting insightful game and prop previews.
Advertiser disclosure
