Nuggets Vs. Timberwolves: Play-by-play, Highlights And Reactions

Vinny Benedetto @VBenedetto
I’m taking a couple of days to hang with family in town, so no Nuggets coverage from me for a few days. Enjoy your break. – 7:57 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Obviously can’t mess around on a SEGABABA if you’re the Nuggets, though Jaylen Nowell is absolutely getting 20+ points as the starter tonight whether Michael Malone likes it or not.
KCP and AG will share the Anthony Edwards assignment tonight, who’s averaging 24-6-4 on 57.0 TS%. – 7:43 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
The T’Wolves have the 24th ranked Adjusted Net Rating on Dunks and Threes so far this year, which accounts for Strength of Schedule.
The Nuggets are currently ranked 10th by the same metric, which accounts for the subpar defense. – 6:26 PM

Minnesota Timberwolves PR @Twolves_PR
UPDATED Minnesota @Minnesota Timberwolves Status Report in advance of tonight’s game vs. Denver:
QUESTIONABLE
Naz Reid – Back Spasms
D’Angelo Russell – Illness
OUT
Jordan McLaughlin – Left Calf Strain
Taurean Prince – Right Shoulder Subluxation
Karl-Anthony Towns – Right Calf Strain – 6:01 PM

Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
The Timberwolves have just added D’Angelo Russell to the injury report and listed him as questionable with an illness. – 5:19 PM

Jon Krawczynski @JonKrawczynski
Timberwolves are 6-10 without Karl-Anthony Towns this season. Over 8 seasons in games he’s missed because of injury, illness, suspension, etc, they are 23-57 (.288).
In games he has played: 224-279 (.445). 44-30 with him last year. – 4:47 PM

Minnesota Timberwolves PR @Twolves_PR
Tonight’s Media Meal vs. Denver:
Salad Bar
Chicken Alfredo
Baked Olive and Tomato Cod
Wood-Fired Grilled Garlic Broccolini
Creamy Pecorino Polenta
Lobster Bisque
Postgame Pizza – 4:37 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Suns down 32. 18-0 Knicks run in the second quarter.
One step forward three steps back the last month-plus. Signs of progress in Denver and Memphis only to regress the last 3 games. – 3:55 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Jamal Murray is NOT on the injury report for tonight’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Karl-Anthony Towns, Taurean Prince, and Jordan McLaughlin are all OUT.
Expect the Wolves to start D’Lo, Austin Rivers, Ant, McDaniels, and Gobert. – 3:40 PM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Jeff Green is the only rotation player on the Nuggets injury report.
Jeff Green (L hand fracture/L finger sprain) is out.
Collin Gillespie is still out and Payton Watson is in the G-League. – 2:38 PM

Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Big disparity in MVP odds across books right now if you’re looking for value plays:
Example: DK has Jokic at +350 and Durant at +700. FD has them at +440 and +850. If you want either of those guys, I’d suggest jumping on them now before that gap closes. – 2:17 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
Bruce Brown grew up a Celtics fan. He’s got a Red Sox tattoo. Last night, he knew his family was watching when he buried four 3-pointers in Denver’s resounding win over the Celtics.
“Hopefully we see them in the future,” he not-so-subtly said.
denverpost.com/2023/01/02/nug… – 2:10 PM