Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Timberwolves Up 3-1, Dosunmu Scores 43 Without Edwards

4/28/2026

50 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Timberwolves Lead

Minnesota Timberwolves lead Denver Nuggets 3-1 in the first round despite missing guard Anthony Edwards.
The Game 4 injury report listed Edwards’ left-knee hyperextension with MRI showing no ligament damage and an absence, Donte DiVincenzo’s Achilles tear, and Isaiah Dosunmu’s 43 points in the Wolves’ 112-96 win.
Coach Chris Finch said extending the series could bring Edwards back early, and a win would set a matchup with the 3-1-ahead Spurs.

Summary

Nuggets Favored

Denver is favored by 11.5 points at most major sportsbooks entering Game 5 of the series.
The Timberwolves remain the series favorites, with a 22.22-times payout to win the Western Conference.
PrizePicks lists a 1.66-times payout for a Timberwolves series win and a 2.12-times payout for a Nuggets win.

History

Historical Context

The 1995 Houston Rockets, a sixth-seed with a 47-35 record, became the lowest-seeded team ever to win the NBA Finals, overcoming injuries to Hakeem Olajuwon and depth challenges. That precedent of under-dog success mirrors the 2024 Western Conference first round, where the Minnesota Timberwolves lead Denver 3-1 despite Anthony Edwards’ knee hyperextension. Both series highlight how teams adjust tactics when stars are limited.

1 of 3

Timberwolves Lead

Minnesota Timberwolves lead Denver Nuggets 3-1 in the first round despite missing guard Anthony Edwards.
The Game 4 injury report listed Edwards’ left-knee hyperextension with MRI showing no ligament damage and an absence, Donte DiVincenzo’s Achilles tear, and Isaiah Dosunmu’s 43 points in the Wolves’ 112-96 win.
Coach Chris Finch said extending the series could bring Edwards back early, and a win would set a matchup with the 3-1-ahead Spurs.

1 / 3