RealGM Basketball Wiretap

28 April 2026

• Nuggets Force Game 6 Behind Jokic's Triple-Double; McDaniels: 'We Going To Win The Next One'

  Nikola Jokic delivered a 27-point, 16-assist, 12-rebound triple-double Monday to keep the Denver Nuggets' season alive, as they defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 125-113 in Game 5. The series shifts to Minneapolis for Game 6 on Thursday with the Nuggets favored by 6.5 points. Oddsmakers now give the Nuggets a 61 percent probability of winning the series and completing the 3-1 comeback.

  Denver entered as an 11-point favorite against a Timberwolves squad already missing injured stars Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo. Despite the favorable matchup, the Nuggets had dropped three straight games in increasingly deflating fashion before Monday's rebound. The Nuggets completed two 3-1 series comebacks in 2020 and also won three straight against the Wolves in the 2024 Western Conference semifinals before losing the final two.

  "Just an embarrassing first four games of the series," Christian Braun said.

  Jokic's supporting cast rose to the occasion alongside him. Spencer Jones scored 20 points on four three-pointers in place of the injured Aaron Gordon, while Cam Johnson, acquired in an offseason deal that sent Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets, posted 18 points. The Nuggets forced 25 turnovers and converted them into 35 points.

  Denver also shot 38% from three-point range after a collective 28.5% mark through the first four games.

  "Jok is Jok," said Nuggets coach David Adelman. "These [small] sample size games and the freakouts when he doesn't play well. You know he's going to play well. Then his 16 assists. Assists are hard to get unless you make shots."

  Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels struggled in his most difficult outing of the series, committing four turnovers and missing all three three-point attempts after drawing early foul trouble. McDaniels had sparked a late-game skirmish in Game 4 and publicly called several Nuggets players "bad defenders" following Game 2.

  "Nothing dirty," McDaniels said. "It's all fun to me. I feed into it. We just got to get the job done next game, and there's no more talking."

  Gordon and Peyton Watson remain questionable for Denver ahead of Game 6.

  "We just ended up losing today," McDaniels said. "But we going to win the next one."

• How To Watch Timberwolves Vs Nuggets Playoff Game 5: Live Stream, TV Channel, Predictions

  The Western Conference First Round heats up in the Twin Cities this Monday, April 27, as the Minnesota Timberwolves look to even the series against the Denver Nuggets in a pivotal Game 4. Following a physical 112-106 victory for Denver on Saturday, the third-seeded Nuggets (2-1) have successfully reclaimed home-court advantage. For Minnesota, this is a must-win scenario to avoid heading back to the altitude of Denver facing a daunting 3-1 deficit. Catch every moment of this heavyweight clash live on Peacock.

  Game 3 was a masterclass by Nikola Jokic, who dismantled the Wolves' interior defense for 31 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists. Minnesota saw a heroic 33-point effort from Anthony Edwards, but the Timberwolves struggled to find consistent secondary scoring as Karl-Anthony Towns (14 points) battled foul trouble throughout the second half. To turn the tide in Game 4, Minnesota must rediscover the defensive identity that made them the league's top unit, specifically by finding an answer for the Jamal Murray and Jokic two-man game. Witness the tactical battle live on Peacock.

  The spotlight now turns to the coaching chess match at Target Center. Minnesota will need more offensive aggression from Rudy Gobert on the glass to limit Denver's second-chance opportunities. Meanwhile, the Nuggets aim to use Michael Porter Jr.'s perimeter gravity to keep the Wolves' defenders away from the paint. Expect a high-intensity, "win-or-go-home" atmosphere as the Timberwolves look to protect their home floor and level the series.

  Minnesota's ability to control the pace and limit Aaron Gordon's impact in transition will be vital against a Denver squad that thrives on capitalizing on mistakes. You can witness this Western Conference showdown streaming live on Peacock.

  How to watch Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Game 4

  Monday's Game 4 will be broadcast on Peacock.

  Category	Details
  Date	Monday, April 27, 2026
  Tip-Off Time	10:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM PT
  Live Stream	Peacock
  Venue	Target Center, Minneapolis, MN

  Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Game 3 Recap & Game 4 Odds

  Despite the Game 3 loss, the Timberwolves remain slight home favorites as oddsmakers expect a bounce-back from the Minnesota core. The betting line suggests a defensive grind, with the total dropping slightly as both teams tighten their rotations.

  Betting Line	Timberwolves -1.5
  Over/Under	209.5
  Moneyline	MIN -125 | DEN +105

  Prediction: Anthony Edwards has historically performed his best when his back is against the wall. Expect a more disciplined defensive effort from Minnesota, particularly in the pick-and-roll. While Jokic will get his numbers, the Wolves' desperation should carry them to a series-evening win. Final Score: Timberwolves 110, Nuggets 104.

  Individual Matchups: Game 3 Leaders

  The duel between Anthony Edwards and Nikola Jokic is the defining matchup of the series, with both superstars carrying heavy usage for their respective squads.

  Nuggets Key Player Stats (Game 3)	Points	Assists	Rebounds	FG%
  Nikola Jokic (C)	31	8	14	54.5%
  Jamal Murray (G)	24	5	4	45.0%

  The Timberwolves look to Anthony Edwards to lead the scoring charge while needing Rudy Gobert to be the anchor of their defensive scheme.

  Timberwolves Key Player Stats (Game 3)	Points	Rebounds	Assists	FG%
  Anthony Edwards (G)	33	6	6	48.0%
  Rudy Gobert (C)	12	15	1	60.0%

  Stream the NBA Playoffs on Peacock

  Peacock is the ultimate destination for NBA fans this postseason. Don't miss a single highlight as the Timberwolves and Nuggets battle for Western Conference supremacy with a flexible streaming experience.

  Frequently Asked Questions

  What was the score of Game 3?
  The Denver Nuggets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 112-106 on Saturday night to take a 2-1 series lead.

  When is Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Game 4?
  Game 4 is scheduled for Monday, April 27, at Target Center in Minneapolis, with tip-off at 10:00 PM ET.

  Who leads the series?
  Denver currently leads the best-of-seven series 2-1.

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• Mavericks Remain Interested In Hiring Tim Connelly To Lead Front Office

  The Dallas Mavericks are one of two NBA teams looking for a new leader for their front office. The Mavs are reportedly still interested in trying to lure Tim Connelley from his role leading the Minnesota Timberwolves basketball operations.

  Connelley is believed to no longer hold an opt out from his job with the Wolves. However, many around the league believe that he could be drawn from Minnesota after the Timberwolves season ends.

  The Wolves currently hold a 3-1 lead over the Denver Nuggets in their first-round playoff series.

• NBA Fines Nikola Jokic $50K, Julius Randle $35K For Game 4 Altercation

  The NBA has fined Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic $50,000 and Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle $35,000 for their roles in an on-court altercation in Saturday's playoff game.

  With 1.3 seconds remaining in the game and the Wolves holding a big lead, Jokic initiated the confrontation by shoving Minnesota forward Jaden McDaniels. Randle escalated the situation by getting involved and shoving Nuggets guard Bruce Brown.

  Both Jokic and Randle were ejected from the game. Despite it appearing that several players left their bench areas, no suspensions were handed out by the NBA.

• Donte DiVincenzo To Undergo Achilles Surgery On Sunday

  Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo is undergoing surgery for his ruptured Achilles' tendon on Sunday. DiVincenzo suffered the injury during the Wolves Game 4 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday.

  The veteran guard is having the surgery done at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. The surgery will be completed by Dr. Martin O'Malley. Dr. O'Malley completed Jayson Tatum's Achilles's repair at HSS in New York last year.

• Anthony Edwards Out Multiple Weeks With Bone Bruise, Hyperextended Knee

  Anthony Edwards has been diagnosed with a bone bruise and hyperextended right knee and will miss multiple weeks. Edwards exited the Minnesota Timberwolves' Game 4 win over the Denver Nuggets with the injury. The wolves were relieved Edwards didn't suffer any ligament damagee with the injury.

  Edwards will immediately begin rehabbing the injury in hopes of rejoining the Wolves for their playoff run should they advance out of the first round. Edwards would likely miss at least a portion of the second round. The Wolves have a 3-1 series lead over the Nuggets.

  Minnesota also lost Donte DiVincenzo to injury in Game 4 as he suffered a torn Achilles.

• Anthony Edwards Exits Game 4 With Hyperextended Left Knee, MRI Scheduled

  Anthony Edwards was ruled out of Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets after appearing to hyperextend his left knee late in the second quarter Saturday. Edwards will undergo an MRI to determine the extent of the injury.

  The All-Star guard went down with 2:43 remaining in the first half while jumping to defend Nuggets forward Cam Johnson on a drive. Edwards landed off-balance, collapsing to the floor and clutching his left knee after it bent backward.

  Unable to bear weight on his left leg, Edwards was assisted to the locker room. Minnesota ruled him out shortly after halftime.

  Edwards was struggling offensively before the injury, connecting on just one of eight field goal attempts.

  Edwards missed 11 of Minnesota's final 14 regular-season games due to a persistent right knee issue and was listed as questionable for the first three playoff games. He had been wearing a protective sleeve on his right leg throughout the series.

  Despite losing both Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo, who tore his right Achilles in the first quarter, the Minnesota Timberwolves rallied to defeat Denver 112-96, securing a commanding 3-1 series lead.

  The Timberwolves now await MRI results that will determine Edwards' availability for a potential series-clinching Game 5.

• Donte DiVincenzo Suffers Torn Right Achilles

  Donte DiVincenzo sustained a torn right Achilles tendon just 79 seconds into Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, per ESPN's Shams Charania. The Minnesota Timberwolves won the game 112-96, taking a 3-1 series lead.

  DiVincenzo went down at the 10:44 mark of the first quarter after missing a 3-point attempt. While moving toward the offensive glass, his right leg buckled. He immediately grabbed the back of his foot and ankle.

  Minnesota called timeout and DiVincenzo summoned the training staff. He was assisted off the floor and ruled out shortly after. He departed the arena at halftime in a wheelchair.

  The 27-year-old had been a vital contributor in the series. He posted 12, 16 and 15 points across the first three games as the Timberwolves built their series advantage.

  DiVincenzo started all 82 regular-season games this year, averaging 12.2 points per night. He connected on 244 3-pointers, sixth-highest in the NBA, establishing himself as one of the league's most reliable shooting guards.

  DiVincenzo is in year three of a four-year, $46.8 million contract. He is set to carry a $12.5 million expiring salary next season.

• Joe Ingles To Join Melbourne United Next Season

  Minnesota Timberwolves forward Joe Ingles is planning to continue his career in his native Australia next season. Ingles will reportedly sign with Melbourne United of Australia's NBL for the 2026-27 season. Ingles is currently competing in the NBA Playoffs with the Timberwolves.

  Despite playing in the NBA for the last 12 seasons, Ingles has reportedly wanted to end his career playing in Australia. Both Melbourne-based clubs were of interest to the veteran forward, with United beating out South East Melbourne Phoenix.

  Ingles started his professional career with the South Dragons of the NBL in 2006. He then played for clubs in Spain and Israel, before coming to the NBA in 2014. In the NBA, Ingles played for the Utah Jazz, Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic and the Timberwolves.

• Wolves Win Game 3 Over Nuggets, Hold Nikola Jokic To Worst Shooting Night Of Playoff Career

  Nikola Jokic endured the worst shooting night of his playoff career Thursday, connecting on just 7 of 26 field goal attempts as the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Denver Nuggets 113-96 to claim a 2-1 first-round series lead.

  The loss marked the first time since January that Denver failed to surpass 100 points. The Nuggets, who posted the second-best offensive rating in NBA history at 121.2 this regular season, were held scoreless at an alarming rate from the opening tip.

  Denver managed only 3-of-21 shooting in the first quarter, the team's lowest-scoring quarter all season. Minnesota established a 27-point advantage and held Denver under a double-digit deficit for the final three periods.

  Rudy Gobert anchored Minnesota's defensive scheme, matching Jokic's minutes throughout the night. Jokic went 7-of-21 against Gobert in Game 3 and is now 8-of-29 against him across the two Nuggets losses. Jokic is also 5-of-24 on three-point attempts in the series.

  Jamal Murray shot 5-of-17 from the field with five missed three-pointers. Murray is 15-of-42 shooting across both Denver defeats.

  "He had a tough night," said Nuggets coach David Adelman. "It happens to players. This guy's played a million playoff games. There's nights that are poor. He'll bounce back. Everyone needs a day to understand we didn't play well offensively."

  Denver was also without starting forward Aaron Gordon, ruled out two hours before tipoff with a calf injury. Wing Peyton Watson remains sidelined since April 1 with a hamstring strain. Both players will receive treatment Friday ahead of Game 4.

  "I've never seen him shoot what he shot today," Murray said. "That's an outlier type of game."

  Despite losses in the past two games and mounting injury concerns, the Nuggets are -2.5 point favorites in Saturday's Game 4. Minnesota are now slightly favored to win the series with an implied probability of 55 percent.