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Jokic Emphasizes Toughness as Injured Nuggets Meet Timberwolves

4/30/2026

49 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Game 6 of the Timberwolves-Nuggets first-round series will be played Thursday at 8:30 p.m. Central Time in the United States, with Minnesota missing Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo and Denver missing Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson.
The Nuggets open as road favorites at –5.5 points and could be –10 to –12 in a Game 7.
Nikola Jokic said his physicality and focus are essential after his 27-point, 12-rebound, 16-assist Game 5 performance.

History

Historical Context

Jordan’s 38-point “Flu Game” on June 14 1998 helped the Bulls stave off a Jazz lead in the NBA Finals, showing how a star’s illness can shift a series. In 2024, the Nuggets leaned on Nikola Jokic’s 27-point, 12-rebound, 16-assist effort in the Western Conference semifinals as Anthony Edwards sat out, echoing that historic reliance on remaining veterans.

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Story summary

Game 6 of the Timberwolves-Nuggets first-round series will be played Thursday at 8:30 p.m. Central Time in the United States, with Minnesota missing Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo and Denver missing Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson.
The Nuggets open as road favorites at –5.5 points and could be –10 to –12 in a Game 7.
Nikola Jokic said his physicality and focus are essential after his 27-point, 12-rebound, 16-assist Game 5 performance.

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