The Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets are heading into Sunday’s matchup at Ball Arena with multiple players listed on their injury reports. Game time is set for 3:00 p.m. ET in Denver, Colorado.
For the Timberwolves, Julius Randle is listed as questionable due to low back spasms, while Enrique Freeman and Rocco Zikarsky remain out on two-way assignments in the G League.
Minnesota enters the game on a two-game winning streak, having defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 94-88 on February 26 and the Portland Trail Blazers 124-12 on February 24.
Denver faces a heavier injury burden. Tamar Bates, Aaron Gordon, and Peyton Watson are out due to injuries, with Gordon sidelined by a right hamstring strain and Bates recovering from left foot surgery. Cameron Johnson is probable with right ankle inflammation, and Spencer Jones is questionable with a right shoulder strain. Curtis Jones is out on a two-way assignment in the G League.
The Nuggets are coming off a 121-127 overtime loss at Oklahoma City Thunder and a 103-84 home win over the Boston Celtics.
Minnesota will rely heavily on Anthony Edwards, who is averaging 29.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, and Jaden McDaniels, contributing 15.1 points and 4.4 rebounds. Rudy Gobert anchors the frontcourt with 11 points and 11.4 rebounds per contest, while Donte DiVincenzo adds 12.9 points and 4.4 assists per game.
Denver will look to Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic to lead offensively. Murray averages 25.3 points and 7.3 assists, while Jokic is posting 28.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 10.5 assists per game, keeping the Nuggets competitive despite the absences. Christian Braun and Cameron Johnson provide perimeter scoring, and Jonas Valanciunas offers depth in the paint with 8.9 points and 5.1 rebounds.
In their previous three meetings this season, the Nuggets have swept the Timberwolves, including a 142-138 overtime win on Christmas Day.
Minnesota will need full contributions from its healthy stars to overcome Denver’s depth and maintain playoff positioning in the Western Conference, where both teams currently sit at 37-23 records.
