The first round of the NBA playoffs is still underway, but one second-round playoff series is already set, and fans are calling it the Tim Connelly Bowl. Connelly was formerly the general manager for the Denver Nuggets, but now he holds that role for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Connelly played a big part in building both of those teams who are both championship contenders, and now, the two will face each other in the second round of the NBA playoffs. Denver and Minnesota are arguably the two best teams in the Western Conference, and in this article, we will explain how you can watch their series.
Where is the Nuggets vs. Timberwolves series?
The Nuggets are the two-seed, while Minnesota is seeded third. That means that Denver will have home-court advantage in the second round. Therefore, Games 1, 2, 5, and 7 will be in Denver, Colorado, at Ball Arena. The Timberwolves will host Games 3, 4, and 6 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
How to watch Nuggets vs. Timberwolves
The dates are set for Minnesota's second-round matchups against Denver. However, TV channels and tip-off times are still to be determined. Besides games on TNT, you will be able to watch the playoffs on fuboTV, though.
Game 1: Timberwolves @ Nuggets on Saturday, May 4
Game 2: Timberwolves @ Nuggets on Monday, May 6
Game 3: Nuggets @ Timberwolves on Friday, May 10
Game 4: Nuggets @ Timberwolves on Sunday, May 12
Game 5: Timberwolves @ Nuggets on Tuesday, May 14
Game 6: Nuggets @ Timberwolves on Thursday, May 16
Game 7: Timberwolves @ Nuggets on Sunday, May 19
Nuggets storylines
The Nuggets' success in the postseason from their run to the championship last year has continued in the 2024 postseason. The team executed a gentleman's sweep over the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round, and they illustrated how they turn things up a notch in the postseason.
It is well known that the team's two stars–Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray–always improve in the playoffs, and that was evident against the Lakers. Murray and Jokic rank first and second all-time in increasing their scoring production from the regular season to the postseason.
In the first round this year, Jokic averaged 28.2 points, 16.2 rebounds and 9.8 assists per game, while Murray hit two iconic game-winners.
Denver is a well-oiled machine that can clearly defend their title this year. However, they weren't playing their best basketball in the first round despite winning in five games. The team was a little beat up, they didn't shoot great from deep as a team, and their series as a whole was closely contested.
You can't expect teams to blow teams out in the postseason, and the Nuggets always turned it on when it most mattered, but they might have to play better against the Timberwolves than they did against Lakers in order to win this next series.
Michael Porter Jr. continuing his hot streak would help with that. While Denver only shot 30.8% from deep for the series as a team, Porter carried the shooting burden by making 48.8% of his deep shots. The sniper did it in the heat of family drama. This week, another one of Porter's brothers got in trouble, marking the third time that has happened in a matter of only a few weeks.
Porter's ability to shine even with outside distractions should be commended, and the Nuggets will need him to continue his incredible shooting streak.
Timberwolves storylines
Nikola Jokic, the best passing center of all time, is likely to win his third MVP, and Jamal Murray has established himself as a postseason superstar. The two help create arguably the top offense in the NBA. The one defense that might be able to slow them down is the Timberwolves' defense.
Minnesota had the best defensive rating through the regular season, and their abilities on that end were on display in round one against the Phoenix Suns.
Many predicted that the Suns and their talented big three would walk through the Timberwolves. Instead, Minnesota swept Phoenix. Twice, the team held the Suns to less than 100 points.
Rudy Gobert is on his way to a fourth Defensive Player of the Year Award, and he holds down the paint. Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are elite perimeter defenders. Edwards, in particular, has announced himself as one of the best players in the NBA this postseason.
By advancing to the second round, Minnesota won a postseason series for only the third time in their history. The last time they won in the first round was in 2003-04, when Kevin Garnett won the league's MVP. Edwards is playing at a similar level, and Timberwolves fans would love to see their team again make the Western Conference Finals like they did that year.
Of course, getting past the Nuggets will be no easy task. Denver has plenty of playoff experience, and they are hungry to win back-to-back championships and become a dynasty. So, how do you think this round two series will play out?
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