Timberwolves vs. Nuggets – NBA Playoffs – Game 6 predictions: Odds, stats, trends and best bets for April 30

Still trailing in the series and facing a Game 6 in Minneapolis, Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets appear to actually be in the driver’s seat against the Timberwolves. Its only been one game since Minnesota lost their starting backcourt of Anthony Edwards (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles), and as a result the Timberwolves are still trying to find their way. While Denver is a bit banged up as well, they did not lose one of the Top 10 players in the league.

Finding a rhythm and flow at both ends of the court is imperative if Minnesota wants to avoid going back to Denver for Game 7. The issue on defense may be the bigger challenge. After holding the Nuggets to under 100 points in Games 3 and 4, the Timberwolves allowed 125 points in Game 5 and were waxed from the jump.

Jokic secured a triple-double of 27-12-16 and Denver is back in the series as a result. Julius Randle had 27-9-6 (points, rebounds, assists) but he will probably need even better numbers in Game 6 if Minnesota is to prevail. They simply are down too many major weapons to look elsewhere for help.

Yes, Ayo Dosunmu was adequate with 18 points in Game 5 but who replaces his energy and production off the bench now that he is starting in place of the injured DiVincenzo? Possibly Terrence Shannon Jr. ?