Photo by David Berding/Getty Images
By Joel Reyes
The Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves will face off in the first round of the 2026 Western Conference Playoffs after finishing third and sixth, respectively, in the West standings.
Alta Sports breaks down this best-of-seven series, identifying the key players for both teams, their previous head-to-head matchups, as well as the schedule for this mouth-watering clash.
Best-of-7 Schedule (PH time)
Game 1 – Minnesota at Denver (Sunday, April 19, 3:30 a.m.)
Game 2 – Minnesota at Denver (Tuesday, April 21, 10:30 a.m.)
Game 3 – Denver at Minnesota (Friday, April 24, 9:30 a.m.)
Game 4 – Denver at Minnesota (Sunday, April 26, 8:30 a.m.)
Game 5 – (if necessary) – Minnesota at Denver (Tuesday, April 28, TBD)
Game 6 – (if necessary) – Denver at Minnesota (Friday, May 1, TBD)
Game 7 – (if necessary) – Minnesota at Denver (Sunday, May 3, TBD)
Head-to-head matchups in 2025-26 season
The Denver Nuggets won their season series against the Minnesota Timberwolves 3-1.
The Nuggets won their first three meetings with the Wolves before Minnesota avoided the season sweep via a 117-108 victory on Mar. 2.
Key players
The Nuggets' title campaign will be once again led by three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. He has been sensational this season, averaging a triple-double with 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.7 assists.
Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post
Minnesota, on the other hand, will need Anthony Edwards to be healthy for them to have a chance in this series.
Edwards, who averaged 28.8 points during the regular season, is listed as questionable for Game 1 due to an ongoing knee issue.