NBA The 2025 Christmas list concludes with a set of familiar opponents. Minnesota Timberwolves And Denver Nuggets were built by the same CEO, Tim Connelly. They met in the 2024 playoffs, where Minnesota ended Denver's championship defense with a second-round loss. Every year they seem to star in one or two thrillers. Last year, the Timberwolves pulled off a double-overtime win in a terrible game. Russell Westbrook shooting in violation of the rules.
Neither team is at its peak. Denver still struggling with injuries Aaron Gordon And Christian Brown. Minnesota is still adjusting to life without Nickeil Alexander-Walker. But they're still both contenders in the Western Conference, and any game between them is a worthy regular-season event. Below are our picks against the spread, as well as the best bet for the Christmas final.
Bold predictions for every NBA Christmas game: Thunder-Spurs tension, Curry barrage and more
Jack Maloney
Timberwolves at Nuggets: where to watch
- Time: 10:30 PM ET | Date: Thursday, December 25th.
- Location: Ball Arena – Denver
- TV channel: ABC/ESPN | Live broadcast: fubo (Try for free)
- Chances: Nuggets -3.5, O/U: 238.5 (via BetMGM)
Timberwolves at Nuggets: forecasts, odds, best bets
Denver's depth has improved significantly this season, but the injuries are becoming too much to overcome against a great opponent like Minnesota. Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun are still out, and Cam Johnson suffered a knee injury on Tuesday, the extent of which we don't yet know, but it should leave Denver without a third starter, at least for a period of time. The Timberwolves are always ready for Nuggets games and have now won 10 of their last 12, including blowout wins over the Nuggets. Knicks And Thunder. They are a safer choice with glasses. Pick: Timberwolves +3.5
I'll admit, my instinct was to favor Nikola Jokic's goal to account for his missing teammates, but no team limits his shots better than Minnesota. Unless you count his 61-point gem last season, which came without Jamal Murray And Michael Porter Jr.. and took two overtimes, Jokic averaged just 15.4 shots per game against Minnesota over the last two regular seasons. So I'm going the other way and expecting a more balanced attack for the three-time MVP. Pick: Jokic under 29.5 points
