Timberwolves-Nuggets Game 3: Preview, Betting Odds, Prediction

Keys to Game 3

The Timberwolves simply need their stars to elevate their games in order to win this series, and that happened in Game 2. Julius Randle finished with 24 points, which was above his regular-season scoring average of 21.1. Anthony Edwards did the same with a 30-point night, which was above his regular-season average of 28.8. They combined for just 38 points in Game 1, and an improvement to 54 points on Monday night might've been the difference.

Minnesota also had significantly more production from its bench in Game 2. They had 33 points on Monday night compared to 22 on Saturday. Bones Hyland scored 13 points in just 10 minutes in Game 2, compared to zero points in five minutes in Game 1. Hyland, Ayo Dosunmu, and Naz Reid are a tremendous bench trio. Chris Finch and the Wolves' staff need to utilize their depth.

After a substantial foul discrepancy in Game 1, things were dead even with 30 free throws each in Game 2. Minnesota simply did a better job defending, and it showed up in the box score.

Prediction

The Target Center crowd has shown up in a big way during the last few Timberwolves playoff runs, and Thursday night's game should be no different. It feels like there should be way more pressure on Minnesota to get it done in Game 3, and Denver's opportunity to steal one on the road could be Game 4.

Ultimately, I think Edwards feeds off the home crowd and delivers a great scoring performance. Minnesota plays a complete game and takes a 2-1 lead in the series.

Score: Timberwolves 114, Nuggets 108

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