Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves Picks and Predictions December 25th 2025

Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Preview

Denver closes the NBA’s Christmas slate at home, but the spotlight is dimmed by another injury blow. Cameron Johnson went down Tuesday night in Dallas and will miss time with a right knee bone bruise. That leaves the Nuggets without three opening-night starters as they prepare to face a Minnesota team surging at the right time.

Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray remain available and continue to carry massive workloads. Jokic leads the league in rebounds and assists while ranking top ten in scoring, and Murray is posting career-best numbers. Denver has won both meetings with Minnesota this season, but the absences have changed the dynamic significantly.

Minnesota arrives confident. The Timberwolves have won 10 of their last 12 and five of six overall, including statement wins over Oklahoma City and New York. Anthony Edwards returns to Denver after missing the first meeting and enters in aggressive form, openly embracing the Christmas stage.

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Line Movement and Odds

Denver opened -4 but the line has slid to -2 following confirmation that Cameron Johnson will miss time. Minnesota now sits at +2, drawing sharper interest with Denver’s depleted rotation.

The total opened at 229.5 and dipped to 227, reflecting Denver’s thinner lineup and Minnesota’s defensive consistency. Moneyline pricing still favors the Nuggets slightly, but the gap has narrowed considerably.

Check real-time updates on the NBA odds board.

Matchup Breakdown

Denver’s margin is Jokic control. Without Gordon, Braun, and Johnson, spacing tightens and secondary creation becomes an issue. Bruce Brown and Spencer Jones must defend and rebound without fouling. Denver still executes well at home, but depth is a concern.

Minnesota’s edge is balance. Edwards drives scoring pressure, while Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels provide secondary options. The Timberwolves have defended well in Denver recently, winning five of their last six games in Colorado. Their ability to switch and contest without sending help is key.

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Injuries and Conditions

Denver Nuggets

• Cameron Johnson, knee, out
• Aaron Gordon, hamstring, out
• Christian Braun, ankle, out

See full Denver Nuggets injury report.

Minnesota Timberwolves

• Anthony Edwards, no injury designation
• Rudy Gobert, back, probable

See full Minnesota Timberwolves injury report.

This game is indoors. No weather impact.

Best Bets and Prediction

Minnesota’s depth and recent success in Denver matter, especially with the Nuggets missing multiple starters. Jokic keeps Denver competitive, but Minnesota’s defensive structure and scoring balance tilt the matchup.

Projected Score: Timberwolves 114, Nuggets 110
Best Bet: Timberwolves +2
Secondary Lean: Under 227

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