Story perspectives

Nuggets host Timberwolves in Game 3, series tied.

4/23/2026

Summary

Nuggets Host

The Denver Nuggets host the Minnesota Timberwolves for Game 3 of the NBA playoffs on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the Target Center, tying the series 1-1 after Denver lost Game 1 and Minnesota won Game 2.
FanDuel lists Denver at -210 moneyline, -2.5 spread, Minnesota at +111, and the over/under at 234.5 points.
SportsLine projects a 225-point total, predicts Nikola Jokic 27.2 points, and lists Peyton Watson out and Anthony Edwards questionable for the 9:30 p.m. ET tipoff.

Summary

Timberwolves Rebound Edge

The Timberwolves' frontcourt, with 7-foot centers Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson, gives them a size edge over the Hawks' 6-foot-8 Onyeka Okongwu.
That advantage yields a 37-16 edge in second-chance points, creating a strong offensive rebounding edge for Minnesota.
The Hawks have struggled to score consistently in the half-court despite better three-point shooting in two games.

Summary

Thunder Crush

Oklahoma City Thunder entered as West No. 1 seed after a 64-win season.
Phoenix Suns clinched the West’s eighth playoff spot, finishing just above the cut line.
Thunder beat Suns 119-84 in Game 1, the largest opening-round margin.
Orlando Magic beat Detroit Pistons in Game 1, with Paolo Banchero scoring 23 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
Despite 39 points, Detroit’s Cunningham is projected to miss the 44.5 combined points-rebounds-assists total for Game 2.

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Nuggets Host

The Denver Nuggets host the Minnesota Timberwolves for Game 3 of the NBA playoffs on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the Target Center, tying the series 1-1 after Denver lost Game 1 and Minnesota won Game 2.
FanDuel lists Denver at -210 moneyline, -2.5 spread, Minnesota at +111, and the over/under at 234.5 points.
SportsLine projects a 225-point total, predicts Nikola Jokic 27.2 points, and lists Peyton Watson out and Anthony Edwards questionable for the 9:30 p.m. ET tipoff.

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