Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Game 1 prop bets to consider

One of the more highly anticipated playoff matchups in recent memory has finally arrived as the Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Denver Nuggets for Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals. Without further ado, it is about time to check out our NBA odds series, where our Timberwolves-Nuggets Game 1 prop bets to consider prediction and pick will be unveiled.

Could this very well be the two best teams in the west squaring off as we know it? It is quite possible. After splitting the regular season series at 2-2 apiece, it ended up being the Denver Nuggets that barely edged out the Minnesota Timberwolves in the win/loss department as the former recorded 57 wins in comparison to the latter’s 56 total. With Game 1 taking place in the rarified air of the Mile High City, the stakes could not be higher. How does putting some cold, hard, cash in your pocket feel for the opening contest of this series? Buckle up, basketball fans!

Here are the NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel. 

Timberwolves-Nuggets Game 1 Prop Odds

Nikola Jokic Under 9.5 Assists (-135)

Over 207.5 Points (-110)

Michael Porter Jr. Over 17.5 Points (-106)

Why Jokic Will Record Under 9.5 Assists 

On the surface level, it seems unwise to bet against Jokic and the under of 9.5 assists. Proving himself to be a master facilitator and one of the best passing big men of today’s generation, the Joker has surprisingly seen his assist totals dwindle when going head-to-head with Minnesota. While the T-Wolves’ number-one-rated defense in the league has been a big reason for this, it is Minnesota that also decided to play Jokic one-on-one instead of double-teaming him and leaving his teammates wide-open for shots. Statistically speaking, Jokic is certainly having his way in the points department against Minnesota en route to averaging at least 32 points in three of the four season matchups against the T-Wolves, but he is only accumulating

To further this point, the Nuggets were not making their open shots against the Lakers, and it won’t be any easier versus the Timberwolves. Ultimately, Jokic is going to be tough to slow down with his shot, but his playmaking as a passer may end up being limited.

Why the Over 207.5 Points Will Hit

Yes, the Timberwolves defense is next-level while the Nuggets aren’t too shabby on that side of the court as well, but both teams love to play at hectic pace. For Denver, the Nuggets have played at least 68 games with more than 207.5 points scored. On the other side of things, the Timberwolves have played a whopping 67 games when hitting that mark. In addition, each side is scoring at a soaring clip. When glancing upon the numbers, both Denver and Minnesota are ranked within the top four of postseason teams in terms of points per game.

Between the two, these teams average 20.4 more points per game than this game’s current over/under. Don’t overthink this one, the Over should be a no-brainer for betting fanatics alike.

Why Michael Porter Jr. Will Record Over 17.5 Points

Believe it or not, but Michael Porter Jr.’s impact in this Game 1 and the series as a whole could end up deciding which team advances to the Western Conference Finals. Throughout the years, MPJ has often been an inconsistent player who relies on his outside shot far too much. However, Porter Jr. has clearly taken his game to a whole new level in his fifth season at the NBA level.

During his final two games against Los Angeles in Denver’s first-round series, Porter Jr. dropped 26 and 27 points en route to being a major contributor in eliminating the Lakers. Not only is his outside shot falling at a superb 49% clip, but he is also putting his head down and driving to the cup. Arguably enough, this attribute of Porter Jr.’s game is what makes him so dangerous.  In fact, at times, MPJ clearly looked like the Nuggets second-best player on the floor. Indeed, it is simply impressive how effective he has been on both ends of the floor in the early goings of the 2024 NBA Playoffs. On paper, MPJ has scored at least 17.5 points in all five of his playoff games which makes this prop a near guarantee lock.

Final Timberwolves-Nuggets Game 1 Prop Bets Prediction & Pick

Time to pop the popcorn, folks! If you aren’t a fan of this series, do you even like basketball? Altogether, there is money to be made in this series starting with Game 1. No matter the outcome, these prop bets are the way to go.

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Final Timberwolves-Nuggets Game 1 Prop Bets Prediction & Pick: Under Nikola Jokic 9.5 Assists (-135), Over 207.5 Points (-110), Michael Porter Jr. Over 17.5 Points (-106)