Sports Mole previews Friday's NBA preseason showdown between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets, including predictions, team news and form guides.
He minnesota wolves and the Denver Nuggets Both will preview their respective preparations for the 2024-25 NBA campaign with a preseason game at Target Center on Friday.
Both teams are undefeated in their recent outings, with the Timberwolves losing to the Chicago Bulls, while the Nuggets came up short against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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Looking to immediately return to winning ways following their loss to the New York Knicks, the Minnesota Timberwolves suffered a thrilling 125-123 loss against the Bulls on Friday at the United Center.
After allowing a pair of three-pointers to start the game, Chris FinchThe men rallied to win the first quarter, but a disastrous second quarter left them trailing by 13 points at halftime, although they managed to tie the game with 38 seconds left, only for Jevon Carter to put things right with four points. Last 20 seconds.
Since opening their preseason engagement with wins over the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers, the Timberwolves have been defeated in consecutive preseason outings and will now begin to bounce back.
On Friday they will face the Denver Nuggets, who were swept by a 4-3 series of losses in the second round of last season's playoffs before losing to the Dallas Mavericks in the conference finals.
Minnesota's playoff exploits have raised expectations for the new season, and it will be interesting to see how they do after takeoff. Carl-Anthony CitiesOwner since 2015.
Following the conclusion of Friday's action, the Timberwolves will take the court for their season opener on Wednesday and head to Crypto.com Arena to take on the Lakers.
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The Denver Nuggets have seen their preseason trip go from bad to worse, most recently in a 124-94 loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Wednesday's game at the stadium.
Michael MaloneA 30-point blowout set the stage for the victory.
True to their first three games, it was the fourth consecutive preseason loss for the Nuggets, who will desperately need a boost for their final exhibition game against the Timberwolves on Friday.
The Nuggets will have a chance to avenge their humiliating loss to the Thunder when the teams meet in next Saturday's opener, but the immediate focus will be on Friday's game.
Despite enduring a tough preseason campaign thus far, a return to winning ways for last season's West runner-up could be a catalyst for a strong start to the upcoming NBA season.
Minnesota Timberwolves Preseason Form:
Minnesota Timberwolves form (all games):
Denver Nuggets Preseason Form:
Denver Nuggets Form (All Tournaments):
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Russell Westbrook AND Nikola Jokic The Nuggets were rested in their most recent outing and both are expected to return to the court on Friday.
It is an American duo that must be seen. Julian Strather AND Zeke Nnaji Come off the bench after a rare starting appearance against the Thunder last time out.
Jamal Murray (knee) and Payton Watson (hamstring) remains an injury doubt for Friday's game, but the former is likely to return for his team's opener.
Business acquisition Julio Randle He debuted with the Timberwolves against the Bulls, with 15 points, six rebounds and five assists with 6-for-12 shooting in his 26 minutes on the court.
senior guard Mike Conley He should appear once more after returning to action, but he was last season's Sixth Man of the Year. Naz Read He still faces the shoulder barrier and may fail.
Minnesota Timberwolves possible starting five:
Conley, Edwards; McDaniels, Randle; gobert
Five possible first Denver Nuggets:
Westbrook, Brown, Porter Jr. Gordon; Comedy
We say: The Timberwolves should win by 6+ points
The two teams had a thrilling second-round playoff series last time out, and while Friday's matchup will be a big one, we're still in for an exciting show.
We root for the Timberwolves to protect their home court and cause more misery for their struggling visitors.
