For the first time in the previous two years, the Denver Nuggets find themselves in an uncommon situation. 

In a postseason series, they are now behind. The Minnesota Timberwolves took command of the first game thanks to Anthony Edwards’ performance, winning it in the end after a close first half. 

In what has turned into a pivotal win for them, the Nuggets will now try to even the series before traveling to Minnesota for game three. 

If Denver hopes to tie the series, Nikola Jokić, Michael Porter Jr., and Jamal Murray will need to step up their play. More importantly, the Nuggets need to figure out how to contain Minnesota’s offensive threat when it’s not using Edwards. 

In the second half, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mike Connelly, and Naz Reid inflicted damage that finally sealed the Nuggets’ fate in the first game. Their best efforts are required, but they have to prevail in this.

In spite of everything Edwards accomplished, Reid might have played a major role in Minnesota’s second-half comeback. He could stretch the floor by making three 3-pointers, go to the bucket when necessary, and finish with 16 points in the second half. 

The Nuggets bench is still difficult to manage in the meantime. While Justin Holiday is still having trouble with his outside shot, Peyton Watson was a complete nonentity. 

Reggie Jackson and Christian Braun both had their moments. The Nuggets need to find some kind of production from their bench if they are to win this series. 

Sadly, there isn’t much time to sort it out. Julian Strother is available for the Nuggets, and he might provide their bench group some more shooting and offense. He has, however, only played sporadically for the whole of the season as a rookie. 

I’m not sure if it’s the best idea to put him in these high-stakes games. Nevertheless, if the Nuggets want to win this game tonight or the series, they must solve this problem.

Remember this: there’s never a time to wallow in self-pity.

Even when the host team loses the opening game, teams frequently rally from a 1-0 deficit. That being said, it is nearly impossible to win two games and then come back to nothing after losing both on your home floor. 

The Nuggets must start the game with a determined mindset. The crowd will undoubtedly be aware that this is a must-win game, and I’m sure they’ll be prepared to contribute. 

However, if we start a second game in which everyone must stand for more than two minutes in order for the Nuggets to make their first basket, the arena will lose its air just as it did in the first. 

The Nuggets’ ability to win this game against the Timberwolves depends on their momentum. Minnesota wants to position their defense and be able to select the advantageous matchups. 

Denver will win if they can push Minnesota to play quickly and deny them the opportunity to set up their defense the way they want, or even just get out on the run and make buckets in transition. 

That begins with establishing a strong early lead and maintaining audience interest.

Aaron Gordon over 6.5 rebounds is the wager to make (-105)

I anticipate that the Nuggets will play with the necessary intensity for the circumstances, which should entail focus, vigor, and attention to detail. Throughout these playoffs, AG has demonstrated that, when called upon by the Nuggets, he is an exceptionally skilled rebounder. 

Tonight seems to be one of those evenings where AG is eager to jump on any chance to crash boards. It doesn’t seem like a lot to expect for seven rebounds, especially considering the almost equal chances.