Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Game 2 prediction: NBA playoffs picks, odds, best bet

Game 2 of the Western Conference opening-round series between the Nuggets and Timberwolves takes place on Monday night. 

The Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray duo reigned supreme in Game 1 on Saturday, pushing the Nuggets to a 116-105 win and covering a 6.5-point spread. 

Murray ended with 30 points, going perfect on all 16 free throw attempts, while Jokic achieved his 22nd career playoff triple-double, adding 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists.

Anthony Edwards was one of six Timberwolves players to score in double figures, leading the team with 22 points.

The Timberwolves are once again 6.5-point underdogs on the road for Game 2, per BetMGM Sportsbook.

Timberwolves vs. Nuggets prediction, best bet

The final score from Game 1 is somewhat misleading, given Anthony Edwards and the Wolves had a strong first quarter, leading by 10 points after 12 minutes.

Denver responded in the second quarter, and by halftime, the score was tied at 62. The back-and-forth continued until the Nuggets took over with a strong 14-0 run in the third quarter, sealing the victory. 

While the offense ran through Jokic flawlessly, the Timberwolves actually shot more efficiently from the field at 46 percent compared to Denver’s 43.7 percent.

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets plays the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter during Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs. Getty Images

The free-throw disparity was also notable: the Nuggets attempted 33 free throws to the Wolves’ 19.

Murray’s 30-point outing was smoke in mirrors, coming at the expense of 7-for-22 shooting, including a 0-for-8 night from beyond the arc. The long arms of Jaden McDaniels restricted Murray’s shot creation, and on the other end, he was able to attack him offensively.

Minnesota is a strong bet to cover the points in Game 2. They were near-perfect in the first half of the last game and came close to winning.

Betting on the NBA?

• Check out the best NBA betting sites
• Read our guide on how to bet on basketball

Denver has struggled against the spread when favored at home this season, posting a 16-17 ATS record. 

Moreover, I anticipate a stronger late-game showing from Edwards, who is ideally positioned to bounce back.

The Play: Timberwolves +6.5 (-110, BetMGM)

Why Trust New York Post Betting

Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player prop bets for nearly three years. Mike is also highly knowledgeable about the sportsbook offer landscape, frequently trying and reviewing the latest apps and sites.