Nuggets look to continue ATS dominance of Minnesota

Minnesota has been the Nuggets’ second home over the years, with Denver going 21-5-1 ATS in its last 27 visits to Minneapolis. Denver’s a short 2-point favorite to extend its dominance Sunday against the Timberwolves, who could be without guards Jeff Teague and Shabazz Napier.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

There’s been little movement on both the side and total since oddsmakers opened Denver -2 and set the Over/Under at 217. The short spread should be attractive to Nugget backers since Denver hasn’t lost to Minnesota in regulation time in seven straight meetings.

Denver News & Notes

A week ago, Nuggets coach Michael Malone challenged his squad to “show me that you care.” Messaged received. Denver’s won three straight since that ultimatum, including a 100-97 win over Philadelphia Friday in which the Nuggets rallied from a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Denver blitzed the Sixers 35-13 in the final frame, and Nikola Jokic drilled the game-winning shot with 1.2 seconds left to complete the largest fourth-quarter comeback in team history. “We want to have the heart of a champion. That’s what champions do, they continue to fight,” said Denver’s Paul Millsap.

Denver’s defense has keyed the three-game winning streak, with the Nuggets allowing an average of 91 points per game during that span. Malone’s concerns may now shift to the play of his bench, which was outscored 37-12 by Philly’s reserves on Friday. On the season, Denver’s backups are averaging just 33.6 points per game, ranking 20th in the NBA. Minnesota could enjoy an edge in that department Sunday with a bench that is contributing 39.0 per outing.

Minnesota News & Notes

The Wolves are coming off a comeback win of their own, rallying for a 125-119 overtime win Friday at home over the Golden State Warriors. Andrew Wiggins continued his recent surge with a career-high 40 points, coming on the heels of 25- and 30-point efforts in his previous two games. Minny needed that effort from its star shooting guard in the absence of fellow guards Jeff Teague (illness) and Shabazz Napier (shoulder strain). Both players are listed as questionable again on Sunday, although Minnesota coach Ryan Saunders told reporters Friday that he felt Teague had a good chance to return against the Nuggets.

Saunders can’t be too pleased with what he’s seen from his defense lately, however. Minnesota allowed the injury-decimated Warriors to score 61 first-half points, and the Wolves gave up 130-plus to Memphis and Milwaukee earlier in the week. Those defensive issues have cost Minnesota backers, as the Wolves are 1-4-1 ATS in their last six despite winning three of those contests. They’ve also gone OVER in four straight.

Betting Pick: Nuggets -2