The defending champion Denver Nuggets (57-25 record, 2nd place in the Western Conference) will host the Minnesota Timberwolves (56-26 record, 3rd place in the Western Conference) at Ball Arena, Denver’s home arena, at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, May 20.
This is Game 7 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals. The Denver Nuggets have the home-court advantage due to their higher seed. The series is currently tied at 3-3 after the Timberwolves won Game 6 115-70.
Odds: Denver Nuggets -5.5 points
O/U ratio: 196.5 points
Game Info: Game 7 – This will be the end of the most unpredictable series of the 2024 NBA Playoffs to date between the defending champion Denver Nuggets and the “challenger” Minnesota Timberwolves.
Minnesota has a big advantage in terms of spirit when it just won a big victory over the Nuggets in Game 6. The difference of 45 points (score 70-115) is truly an unbelievable number, going down in the history of both teams as it is both the biggest victory of the “Wolves” and the heaviest defeat of Denver.
But the defending champion Denver Nuggets still have home-court advantage, which will become important as the series drags on and both teams’ legs begin to tire.
At this point, the two teams have understood each other very well in terms of tactics, players, and tactics. Now, the question will be which team is more courageous than their counterparts on the other side of the battle line.
Notable stars : In the 2024 NBA Playoffs, Anthony Edwards is the number 1 star of the Minnesota Timberwolves with an average of 30.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game. Karl-Anthony Towns is right behind with 19.3 PTS and 8.6 rebounds.
With the Denver Nuggets, Nikola Jokic is still the leader with an average of 28.8 points, 13.3 rebounds, 9.4 assists and 1.7 steals per game. Jamal Murray plays the role of “Joker’s” right-hand man with 20.2 points and 5.9 assists in 10 games played.
NBA Playoffs 2024 match prediction – Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets Game 7 May 20, 2024
The defending champion Denver Nuggets will play at home, where they will be energized to regain their spirit, physical condition and especially their fighting spirit against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
In fact, in the blow-out loss in Game 6, people saw Denver players “lay down their guns” from the 3rd quarter, keeping their key players to focus completely on the decisive Game 7. Besides, it is also difficult to believe that the scenario of a big win like Game 6 will be repeated.
From a long series, the two teams are now back to square one and playing a single-elimination match. The winner will advance to the Western Conference Finals, the loser will have to say goodbye to the season.
In terms of strength, the Denver Nuggets will be the better team. Despite losing Game 6, they are still the winners in 3 of the last 4 matches. The defending champions’ mettle, physicality, spirit and brain are expected to be shown in Game 7, where the nature of the match will decide the whole season.
With this information, reigning MVP Nikola Jokic and his Denver Nuggets teammates are predicted to be the winners.
Expert’s prediction: Denver Nuggets -5.5 points and O/196.5 points
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Injury status:
– Denver Nuggets take the field with the strongest lineup
– Minnesota Timberwolves Mike Conley’s ability to play (Achilles tendon) is unclear.