The race for the final playoff spots in the Western Conference has been a jumbled mess for weeks, and as the season comes to a close there will finally be some clarity. The Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets are right smack dab in the middle of that mix so their matchup this week is a huge one.
The Nuggets will host the T-Wolves, and based on how well Denver has played at home this season, it will be the favorite. The Nuggets are hoping to catch either the Timberwolves or any number of other teams down the stretch, but time is running out.
This is a must-win game for the Nuggets as they aim to secure one of the final seeds in the playoffs. The Timberwolves would do themselves a huge favor with a victory in NBA basketball betting lines.
Don't miss the hardwood action from Pepsi Center at 10:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 5, 2018. Catch every moment of the game live on TNT.
We'll have NBA odds at BookMaker.eu available for this and every game on the NBA Thursday schedule.
Odds Analysis
The Timberwolves are 44-34 straight up and 33-42-3 against the spread. Minnesota has gone 15-23-1 against the spread on the road this year. The Timberwolves have only covered in 12 of 30 attempts as the underdog this season and will aim to improve on that in this one.
The Nuggets are 42-35 straight up and 35-39-3 against the spread. Denver has gone 19-18-1 against the spread at home this year. The Nuggets are 21-26-1 against the spread as the favorite.
Key Stat
One. That’s how many games separate the Nuggets from a spot in the Western Conference playoffs with four games to go. With three straight wins, they are closing the gap on the eighth-place Pelicans in hopes of extending their season. They are also within striking distance of the Timberwolves, Thunder and Jazz.
Denver defeated Oklahoma City and Milwaukee in overtime over the weekend and also picked up a 107-104 win against the Pacers on Tuesday. The Pelicans, on the other hand, have lost four straight heading into their matchup against the Memphis on Wednesday.
The Nuggets will take on the Clippers on Saturday and finish the season off with a game against the Trail Blazers next Tuesday, then a rematch with the Timberwolves in their final game of the regular season. Every win matters right now.
Injury Report
Jimmy Butler — The Timberwolves’ star said he is close to making his return to the court. That would be really good news for Minnesota, which is currently on pace to make the playoffs for the first time in 14 years.
Butler suffered a right knee injury in late February and has sat out since, undergoing meniscus surgery. He was a full participant in practice on Tuesday and is set to have his knee evaluated on Wednesday by medical staff.
Butler is a four-time All-Star averaging 22.2 points a game last year. Getting him back in time for a postseason run would be a huge asset for Minnesota.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Nuggets play really well at home and should be able to keep that up in this one. If Butler comes back it will certainly affect the NBA basketball betting spread and Minnesota will have a better chance at coming away with the victory.
However, these teams are close in talent level and the location will tilt the outcome in favor of Denver. It remains to be seen if the Nuggets can make the postseason but a win in this game will certainly improve their chances in NBA basketball wagering.
Look for this game to be a high-scoring affair. With that in mind, the “over” could be the right choice on the scoring total.
NBA Odds: Nuggets 117, Timberwolves 111
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
