Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: Predictions, odds, and where to watch Game 3

The Denver Nuggets find themselves in unfamiliar territory: down 0-2 in a playoff series. The Minnesota Timberwolves' suffocating defense has been a serious problem for Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets' offense, holding the Nuggets to just 80 points in Game 2. Now, Minnesota has home-field advantage and a series advantage.

This type of deficit will require Denver to be at the top of its game, but Minnesota has been dominant at home this year, racking up a stellar 30-11 record. Not as good as the Nuggets, but hey, that clearly hasn't benefited the Nuggets in any way, shape, or form this series.

Minnesota has been incredibly impressive so far — so much so that many consider them the favorites in the Western Conference now. That's all fine and good, but surely the T-Wolves locker room knows that the job isn't finished. Here's everything to know about this pivotal Game 3 matchup:

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Predictions for Nuggets vs. Timberwolves, Game 3:

FOX Sports: Timberwolves 114, Nuggets 108

Regardless of the score, FOX Sports seems to lean in favor of the OVER (205.5) in this one, citing that "The Timberwolves have played 69 games with more than 205 points scored, their current matchup's total, this year." They also note that the Nuggets have played in 72 games where the total has been over 205.

FanDuel: Timberwolves to win

FanDuel gives the Timberwolves a 60.4% chance to walk away with victory in this one. That said, FanDuel notes that the Timberwolves have played worse at home this year against the spread, writing "Against the spread, Minnesota has played worse at home, covering 18 times in 41 home games, and 22 times in 41 road games."

VegasInsider: Nuggets (+4.5)

Michael Crosson writes, "Jokic has finally found a worthy counterbalance in Edwards, and based on the way the first two games of this series played out, Edwards may actually have the edge. But even if that’s the case, I still expect the Nuggets to fight back with all their might and leave everything on the floor in Game 3 — which, in the end, may still not be enough to outlast Minnesota in a hostile environment. But at the very least, I think we’ll see Friday’s contest go down to the wire. I’ll take the points with Denver."

Nuggets vs. Timberwolves, Game 3 odds:

The Minnesota Timberwolves are favorites to defeat the Denver Nuggets in Friday's Game 3 matchup, according to the BetMGM basketball odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering sports betting promos in 2024.

Odds as of Thursday evening

• Spread: Timberwolves (-4.5)

• Moneylines: Timberwolves (-190); Nuggets (+155)

• Over/under: 204.5

How to watch Nuggets-Timberwolves Game 3:

• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT

• Where: Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Cable TV: ESPN

• Streaming: ESPN+, Fubo (free trial)

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nuggets vs. Timberwolves: Predictions and odds for Game 3