MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (4^th) Vs DENVER NUGGETS (5^th)
One of my favorite matchups of the playoffs here between these two teams. Offense Vs Defense. Minnesota are one of the best defensive teams in the NLL and found themselves the 6^th rated best defensive team this season, whilst Denver have one of the most well rounded teams period and they themselves sported a top 10 offensive side. While both sides aren’t bad on the opposite side of the court, Wolves ranked 13^th on offense and the Nuggets ranked 12^th on defense, they have made a name for themselves in their respective areas.

In relation to that the two teams pace is a clear sign of how both teams play to their strengths. Minnesota, slow it down in the half court and let the likes of George, Teague and Bradley go to work in sets. The Nuggets, with one of the fastest players in NLL history at the helm, look for John Wall to push the pace and get early offense. This will come down to whoever executes the best and plays to their own strengths, not try and match the oppositions. To also add some fuel to the fire, rumor has it Minnesota management is still feeling a little disrespected after trade discussions involving Derrick Favors turned a little sour during the season.

“What felt like months of negotiations, a deal was marginally agreed to, but not a firm handshake.  Then, out of nowhere, Favors is on the Philly team.  It was very heartbreaking and the Wolves can't wait to put it to the Nuggets after this slight.” From a source who would prefer to remain anonymous.

I’m looking forward to seeing how this battle pans out. Offense Vs Defense… Which wins?

LAST TIME OUT
March 29^th the Nuggets ran out with a 120-116 win at home. Paul George had 26pnts 10rebs 5asts 3stls but on an inefficient 28 shots. The Nuggets had a very balanced team effort but it was the big Turk Ilyasova’s 23/13 that lead the way for the winners.

SEASON SERIES

MATCHUP AT A GLANCE

MIN
53-29
4^th in West
106.3 PPG (16^th in NLL)
49.4 RPG (13^th in NLL)
25.6 APG (16^th in NLL)

DEN
48-34
5^th in West
110.0 PPG (5^th in NLL)
49.8 RPG (10^th in NLL)
27.3 APG (4^th in NLL)

PROJECTED STARTERS 
MIN: Teague, Bradley, Warren, George, Chandler
DEN: Wall, Luwawu-Cabarrot, Porter, Ilyasova, Kanter

INJURY & ROSTER NOTES 
MIN:  Jabari Parker (Knee – Season), Terrence Jones (Waived – Indefinitely), Nemanja Bjelica (Foot - Season
DEN:  JaMychal Green (Healthy Inactive), Quincy Acy (Healthy Inactive)

MINNESOTA SCOUTING REPORT
OEff: 109.33 DEff: 105.93 TS%: .542 Pace: 97.23 ExpW%: .609

I’m a big fan of this Minnesota setup. Would a healthy Jabari Parker maybe push this team into a real top contender out West or even in the NLL? I think so. Minnesota brought in 2x NLL champ Tyson Chandler and will be leaning on his championship experience for ins and outs and tricks to winning in the playoffs. One of the biggest storylines though is rumor has it PG13 has given Minnesota management the ultimatum he wants to see this team contend or he’s out of here. Now it’s all good and all saying that, but you shouldn’t be complaining about playing out of position in what is arguably best for the team, especially in the modern NLL. Either watch this space, because if the Wolves are out after the first round… PG may demand a trade.

As a team, the Wolves play at a pace a tad below the league average but their defense profits from this and that is the true strength of this team. Chandler, George and Bradley are all top players defensively at their position and will be the lynch pin for this team to be successful. TJ Warren and Glenn Robinson III also have a lot of impressing to do and the playoffs is a great chance to do that… and as from what we’ve seen with Biyombo it can get you paid as well. Money aside, these 2 and veterans Wes Matthews and Deron Williams will need to play a big part for the Wolves to be successful offensively.

TEAM LEADERS

MIN
PTS: George (25.6) 6^th in the NLL
REB: Chandler (11.5) 7^th in the NLL
AST: Teague (7.3) 20^th in the NLL

DEN
PTS: Wall (16.8) 48^th in the NLL
REB: Gortat (10.9) 11^th in the NLL
AST: Wall (11.1) 2^nd in the NLL

DENVER SCOUTING REPORT
OEff: 111.15 DEff: 107.88 TS%: .546 Pace: 98.77 ExpW%: .603

With 7 players ranked In the ESPN top 100(and 1 ranked just outside), the Nuggets hurt you from all areas. They bruise you downlow with Gortat and Kanter, hit you from the outside with Porter, Ilyasova and of course Eric Gordon. Markeiff Morris can hurt you on the pick and roll/pop game but at the end of the day it all comes down to one man… John Wall. While his scoring is a little down this season, he is still as menacing as ever. Wall is responsible for approximately 50ppg of the Nuggets 110 they average, almost half of their production. Will he win MVP? Unlikely, but his importance to this team is unquestioned.

It’s no secret the Nuggets will be looking to push the ball at every opportunity. If the Wolves try and match that and play away from their half court strength it could spell trouble against this Nuggets outfit. Jeff Teague is going to have his hands full with Wall and it could prove to be a key matchup in favor of the Nuggets.

A lot will be asked of Ilyasova as he has been tasked to defend Paul George, at least for game 1. First thought would be he probably lacks the foot speed, but the big Turk is crafty. Maybe we see Otto Porter move to the four later in the series.

SERIES SCHEDULE

PREDICTION

Denver are one of the deepest and well-rounded teams in the NLL but unless John Wall can pick up his scoring rate I do see them struggling over a 7-game series. Minnesota have that guy they can give the ball to and go and get buckets in Paul George. Minnesota’s defense also I think is better suited for the playoffs and as much as I like the balance on the Nuggets I can’t look past a solid Wolves outfit. It’s going to be close though and hey if it gets to a game 7, we know anything can happen.

The majority of the league thinks the Wolves will win this series though and I agree.

Timberwolves in 7.