Five-time NBA All-Star issues upset alert for Nuggets-Timberwolves series

The first-round matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves carries more weight than most NBA playoff openers. Both teams entered the season expecting a legitimate title run, and their recent history adds another layer to the intrigue.

Over the past four seasons, Denver and Minnesota split 28 combined regular-season and playoff games right down the middle at 14-14. Each side grabbed a series win along the way.

Nikola Jokic gives the Nuggets the edge on paper, but Anthony Edwards and Chris Finch keep the Timberwolves dangerous.

Chris Webber flags tough Timberwolves matchup for Nuggets

That balance is exactly why Chris Webber thinks Denver could be in serious trouble. During a recent appearance on "The Rich Eisen Show," Webber explained why he sees the Timberwolves as a legitimate upset threat against the West's No. 3 seed.

"First of all, I think that Jokic is the best player in the NBA. I'm not saying that he's the MVP, but I think, arguably, he's been the best player. I think that Minnesota is a bad matchup," Webber said. "I just think that that is something where that could be upset alert. When you look at Ant-Man, what he does in the game, when you look at the fact during the playoffs each play condenses, you don't get as many fast breaks."