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The Minnesota Timberwolves opened the playoffs by putting the Denver Nuggets on their heels in Game 1’s first half. Unfortunately for Minnesota, basketball games have two halves.
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Rather than hope this series is about to become interesting, my Timberwolves vs. Nuggets predictions and NBA picks lean on an underrated part of Anthony Edwards’ game, one that should shine once again on Monday, April 20.
Timberwolves vs Nuggets prediction
Timberwolves vs Nuggets best bet: Anthony Edwards Over 5.5 rebounds (+102)
To put it plainly: Anthony Edwards did not play particularly well in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Game 1 loss to the Denver Nuggets. His shooting was poor as he scored only 22 points, and his defense was inconsistent, at best.
Chalk at least some of that up to Edwards’ rust as he recovers from a knee injury. It is distinctly possible we do not see him at 100% this postseason.
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But Edwards still contributed. He filled out the stat sheet with seven assists, nine rebounds, and three blocks. The boards, in particular, fit a consistent postseason trend from Edwards.
As the Timberwolves have made the Western Conference Finals in each of the last two years, their franchise cornerstone has crashed the glass more aggressively in the postseason. In 2023-24, Edwards averaged 5.4 rebounds per game in the regular season. In 2024-25, he averaged 5.7.
In the 2024 playoffs, Edwards grabbed at least six rebounds in 10 of 16 games, averaging seven per game across three series. In the 2025 playoffs, he grabbed at least six rebounds in 12 of 15 games, averaging 7.8.
Snagging nine boards in the Game 1 loss was not a surprise. The only surprise is sportsbooks not ticking this prop upward for Edwards in the postseason.
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Timberwolves vs Nuggets same-game parlay
The Timberwolves did not spend enough time in transition in Game 1, one of their possible edges against the Nuggets. Minnesota is both deeper and, at times, faster. It leaned into transition opportunities following the trade deadline acquisition of Ayo…
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Publish date : 2026-04-19 22:12:00
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