Nuggets vs Timberwolves Game 1: Jokic Tests Edwards Sport By lines April 18, 2026 Nuggets vs Timberwolves Game 1 tips Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET inside Ball Arena. Nikola Jokic chases a fourth MVP trophy. Anthony Edwards chases a third straight conference finals run. The Denver Nuggets hold the No. 3 seed at 54 wins. The Minnesota Timberwolves hold the No. 6 seed at 49 wins. Nikola Jokic Punished Minnesota All Season Nikola Jokic averaged 35.8 points per game against the Timberwolves across four regular-season meetings. Nikola Jokic added 15.0 rebounds and 11.3 assists per game in that same Timberwolves sample. Nikola Jokic shot 65.3 percent from the field in four games against the Timberwolves. The Denver Nuggets won three of four meetings with the Timberwolves during the 2025-26 regular season. Nikola Jokic averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game in the 2025-26 regular season. Nikola Jokic became the first player in NBA history to lead the league in rebounds and assists per game. Nikola Jokic recorded 34 triple-doubles, tying his career high for a single season. Anthony Edwards missed 11 of the final 14 regular-season games with a right knee issue. Anthony Edwards averaged 26.5 points per game across 31 postseason games since 2024. Anthony Edwards led the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals in 2024 and 2025. The Minnesota Timberwolves need Anthony Edwards healthy to challenge Denver’s No. 1 offense. Jamal Murray averaged 31.5 points per game against the Timberwolves during the regular season. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic ran a league-high 894 ball-screens together in 2025-26. Rudy Gobert anchors the Timberwolves defense against that pick-and-roll action. The Timberwolves allowed 108.6 points per 100 possessions with Rudy Gobert on the floor this season. Related Sports Coverage Lakers Host Rockets Game 1 With LeBron vs Durant Warriors at Suns: Play-In Sets West No. 8 Seed Hornets vs. Magic: Play-In Decides East No. 8 Seed Sources: NBA.com and ESPN.
