Post Action Betting

Timberwolves clear favorites in Western Conference after stunning NBA playoff wins

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Published May 7, 2024, 1:23 p.m. ET
Anthony Edwards looks like Michael Jordan –– and might be playing like him too.
Anthony Edwards has the Timberwolves playing like the team to beat in the West. NBAE via Getty Images

It’s the Timberwolves’ conference to lose now that they have taken the first two games on the road against the reigning champion Denver Nuggets.

Sportsbooks have all moved the Timberwolves to clear favorite status after a 106-80 bludgeoning in Game 2, with BetMGM moving them to -115 to win this second-round series and the conference finals.

They are also -550 favorites to end the Nuggets’ repeat attempt as they return home to Minnesota, where Denver has struggled in recent years.

If the third-seeded Timberwolves take care of business against the second-seeded Nuggets, they will face the winner of Thunder vs. Mavericks, where they figure to be decent-sized favorites.

Minnesota has dominated the playoffs up until this point, having gone 6-0 and winning every game by at least six points, including four by double digits.

They are also +300 to win the NBA Finals, according to BetMGM, behind the Boston Celtics at +110.

It’s not out of the question that the Timberwolves could wind up taking favorite status over the Celtics — who face the Cavaliers on Tuesday — if they continue this postseason dominance.

However, they still have to get by the Nuggets, no given feat given their championship pedigree.

Nikola Jokic will need to gain control of the paint before the series gets out of hand.
Nikola Jokic will need to gain control of the paint before the series gets out of hand. Getty Images

By winning both games, Minnesota has put itself in a very favorable position going forward.

The Nuggets have lost four of their last five games in Minneapolis and things project to only get worse for them as Anthony Edwards progresses toward the peak of his powers during these playoffs.

Edwards has tallied 70 points against the Nuggets, including 43 in Game 1.

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He is averaging 32.3 points per game this postseason, up substantially from his regular season average of 25.9 points per game.

The former No. 1 pick is averaging 35.5 points per 100 possessions this postseason, slightly up from the 32.0 he averaged during the regular season.

Those gaudy statistics have raised the Timberwolves’ ceiling.

Minnesota is also winning in the paint, which is no minor feat considering its going up against likely MVP Nikola Jokic.

The Nuggets have been outscored in the paint in both games, having allowed 104 points in the paint while scoring just 76 spanning the two games.

Game 3 is slated for Friday.