Timberwolves vs Nuggets prediction NBA · Sunday, March 7
At a glance
The Denver Nuggets (2-2) host the Minnesota Timberwolves (3-2) on Sunday, March 7 at 3:30 PM ET at Ball Arena in NBA action. The Basketlog model gives the Timberwolves a 57% chance to win and projects a 117-115 score (Timberwolves – Nuggets), about 231 total points. This season, the Nuggets are 1-1 at home and the Timberwolves are 2-1 on the road. Since the start of the season: 2-2 for the Nuggets and 3-2 for the Timberwolves (current streaks: Nuggets W1, Timberwolves L2). A close game (margin of 5 points or fewer) happens in only 31% of cases according to the model. Reported injuries: Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves), Donte DiVincenzo (Timberwolves), Cameron Johnson (Nuggets), Spencer Jones (Nuggets), Alpha Diallo (Nuggets) and Julian Strawther (Nuggets). Prediction confidence: low.
The analysis Model
A wide-open game: the model barely separates the two teams. The model projects Nuggets 115 – 117 Timberwolves, a margin of about 2.1 points in favor of the Timberwolves and a total around 231 points. Expect a game at a standard NBA pace. The Nuggets will be without Cameron Johnson or Spencer Jones (and 2 others). The Timberwolves will be without Anthony Edwards or Donte DiVincenzo. Early season: the numbers still lean heavily on last season, so confidence stays cautious.
- The Nuggets need to win the pace battle to stay in the game.
- The Timberwolves' defense allows clearly fewer points (112.6 pts/game).
What tips the balance
Scenarios
Stat comparison Current season
MINDEN
Players to watch
Timberwolves
Anthony EdwardsG · #533.2pts / game
LaMelo BallG · #16.6assists
Rudy GobertC · #2712.2rebounds
Nuggets
Jamal MurrayG · #2722.5pts / game
Nikola JokicC · #159.0assists
Nikola JokicC · #1510.5reboundsRecent form
MIN
131-106W
115-93W
117-94L
127-125 OTL
119-114
DEN
121-106L
96-84W
141-135 OTL
134-114W
104-91Head-to-head
4 meetings scheduled this season.
Second opinion
Our model compared with ESPN's public model (BPI). When they agree, the prediction is more solid.
✓ Both models pick the same favorite.
Team comparison
| MIN | DEN | |
|---|---|---|
| 3-2 | Record | 2-2 |
| 118.7 | Points scored / game | 119.2 |
| 112.6 | Points allowed / game | 116.2 |
| +5.2 | Adjusted margin / game | +2.6 |
| L2 | Current streak | W1 |
| 3-2 | Last 10 games | 2-2 |
| 2-1 road | Home / road record | 1-1 home |
| 49-33 (+3.4) | Last season | 54-28 (+5.2) |
| No | Played yesterday | No |
Injury report Timberwolves
Injury report Nuggets
Probabilities estimated by the Basketlog model from available public data; early in the season they rely heavily on last season. They are neither a certainty nor betting advice.
MIN