The 2026 NBA playoffs are lastly right here, and the Denver Nuggets are determined to get postseason motion underway. The Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves are kicking off playoff motion within the Western Conference, with Game 1 tipping off at 1:30 p.m. MT in Denver on Saturday.
These two groups have met within the playoffs in two of the final three years, because the Nuggets are on the lookout for revenge after the Timberwolves despatched them residence of their final assembly in 2024. Of course, they’re two very totally different groups now, however there may be nonetheless some unhealthy blood between them within the Northwest Division rivalry.
Heading into this marquee Game 1, there are just a few key accidents to notice, together with Timberwolves All-Star Anthony Edwards.
Nuggets damage report
After lacking 25 of Denver’s closing 30 video games of the season with hamstring points, Nuggets backup wing Peyton Watson will remain sidelined for Game 1 of the first-round collection. Potentially becoming a member of him on the bench is backup ahead Spencer Jones, who has been listed as questionable. The Nuggets’ full damage report:
– Spencer Jones: QUESTIONABLE (proper hamstring pressure)
– Peyton Watson: OUT (proper hamstring pressure)
Fortunately for the Nuggets, they could solely have one participant absent to start out the playoffs after an injury-plagued common season, however in fact, they’re nonetheless trying ahead to having their entire rotation available sooner or later this postseason. With Jones’ bench position rising all through the season, his standing will definitely be price monitoring main as much as tip-off.
Timberwolves damage report
Four-time All-Star Anthony Edwards additionally had points to shut out the common season, lacking ten of Minnesota’s closing 13 video games. Now, his standing heading into Game 1 is within the air, as he has been listed as questionable. Minnesota’s full damage report:
– Anthony Edwards: QUESTIONABLE (proper knee damage administration)
On the intense facet for the Timberwolves, Edwards’ knee difficulty is their solely damage to report forward of Game 1. However, it will be tragic if he needed to miss the playoff opener. This season, the Timberwolves went 12-9 with out Edwards, together with a loss to the Nuggets and a 4-7 document in opposition to playoff groups.
Ideally, for each the Timberwolves and followers, Edwards is sweet to go for Saturday’s Game 1, though the Nuggets might catch a huge break if he has to take a seat.
Projected beginning lineups
While the Nuggets are coping with two key accidents to their second unit, their beginning lineup remains to be intact. The Timberwolves, however, might have their beginning lineup in flux if Edwards misses Game 1.
Nuggets: Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Cam Johnson, Aaron Gordon, Nikola Jokic
Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert
If Edwards is dominated out, the Timberwolves will possible flip to Mike Conley to start out, however it’s onerous to think about the All-NBA guard lacking this sport so long as he can stroll. This is a really high-powered battle between two of the perfect groups within the league, making Saturday’s Game 1 extremely anticipated.
Add us as a most popular supply on Google
