Nuggest vs. Timberwolves Preview

NBA Playoff Preview 

The NBA playoff race is coming down to the wire. 15 of the 16 playoff seeds are currently set. Tonight the Minnesota Timberwolves will host the Denver Nuggets for the final playoff spot in the western conference. It is simply winner take all. They have already matched up three time this season with Minnesota coming out on top twice in two of the meetings. We should expect a close game with all games averaging a loss margin of just four points. Here are some key points to look for during the game.

Butler's return

Just five days ago all-star Jimmy Butler of the Timberwolves just returned  after missing 17 games due to an injury to his meniscus. He returned against the Lakers scoring 18 points while winning the game 113-96. Look for Butler to have a huge game being one of the only players on the court with lots of playoff experience.




Jokic must show up

Nikola Jokic will be the one the Timberwolves will look to stop. Head coach Tom Thibobdeu is a defensive minded head coach so look out for the way they will attack him. Jokic leads the Nuggets in points, assists, and rebounds so he is clearly the bread and butter of the Nuggets offense. He has averaged 24 points the last five games and must keep that up in order for Denver to make the playoffs.



Home court

Minnesota has to take advantage of being at home for this game. Not only are they 29-11 at home but Denver is 15-25 on the road. Thats rare for a team to be 10 games below .500 on the road and still be in playoff contention. The Target Center will be a playoff atmoshpher when the Nuggets come to town. We must also think about that Minnesota has not made the playoffs in 13 years. Last time they played there the Timberwolves won 128-125 in overtime.

Quick Stats

Minnesota averages 109.5 points while Denver averages 110
Minnesota gives up an average of 107.3 points and Denver 108.5

per: http://www.espn.com/nba/game?gameId=400975971

My pick: Minnesota