2024 NBA playoffs: Bets, lines and stats for Timberwolves-Nuggets - ESPN

The first game of the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs will tip off Saturday night as the Minnesota Timberwolves face off against the defending champion Denver Nuggets. The Timberwolves and Nuggets will be rested after easily handling their first-round opponents. This could be the most interesting series of the postseason, with both teams entering with legitimate championship aspirations. Let's take a look at some bets you should keep an eye on heading into Game 1.

Anthony Edwards over 38.5 points, rebounds, and assists.

The Nuggets aren't a walk in the park defensively, but Edwards is playing like a man on a mission to win a championship. He has cleared 38.5 points, rebounds and assists in three of his past four games against the Nuggets and has averaged 17.8 field goal attempts, 12.0 rebound chances and 11.5 potential assists over his past four games, period. Expect the Timberwolves to continue to lean heavily on him, especially on the road in Game 1.

Nikola Jokic over 21.5 rebounds and assists.

Jokic has cleared 21.5 rebounds and assists in four of his past five games and averaged 25.0 rebound chances and 15.6 potential assists per game. Even with a tough matchup against Rudy Gobert on tap, expect Jokic to have a big night Saturday.

Karl-Anthony Towns over 9.5 rebounds and assists.

Keep an eye on Towns as he faces off against Aaron Gordon in Game 1. He has surpassed 9.5 rebounds and assists in seven of his past 10 games. Expect him to come out strong Saturday night.

Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds by ESPN BET

Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets
West Semifinals — Game 1
7 p.m. Ball Arena, Denver

Records (Against the Spread)
Timberwolves: 56-26 (40-39-3)
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