It’s an ever-growing rivalry and the series is knotted at one apiece. This should continue being a fun, intense battle. Who takes Game 3?

Catch the game Friday, April 24th, at 9:30 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Denver Nuggets (1-1)

Projected starting five: 

  • Jamal Murray
  • Christian Braun
  • Cam Johnson
  • Aaron Gordon
  • Nikola Jokic

The Nuggets let a golden opportunity slip away in Game 2, falling 119-114 after blowing a 19-point lead that could have given them a commanding 2-0 series advantage. Instead, they head on the road needing to regroup, particularly after a second-half offensive stall.

Nikola Jokic still filled the stat sheet, but it wasn’t his usual dominant efficiency. Alongside him, Jamal Murray struggled mightily down the stretch. The duo combined to shoot just 8-of-25 in the second half, including a rough 2-of-12 in the fourth quarter, a major reason Denver couldn’t close the door. For a team that relies heavily on its stars, those late-game struggles loom large.

That said, the playoffs are rarely won by stars alone. The supporting cast – Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, Cam Johnson, and Tim Hardaway Jr. – showed flashes, but Denver will need more consistency and timely contributions. Game 3 becomes a test of composure: can the Nuggets bounce back, or will Game 2 linger?

HOME: Minnesota Timberwolves (1-1)

Projected starting five:

  • Anthony Edwards
  • Donte DiVincenzo
  • Jaden McDaniels
  • Julius Randle
  • Rudy Gobert

Minnesota enters Game 3 riding high after an emotional and gritty comeback win. Overcoming a 19-point deficit is about execution AND mentality – and this Timberwolves squad has embraced its identity as a team full of “dawgs.”

A big part of that resilience came from the frontcourt. Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle showed discipline and patience in dealing with Jokic, making him work for everything and holding firm when it mattered most. That effort set the tone defensively and helped fuel the turnaround.

What’s even more encouraging for Minnesota is that the win came despite Anthony Edwards not being at his most efficient. He still delivered 30 points and 10 rebounds on 10-of-25 shooting, proving he can impact the game even without a hot hand. Add in Jaden McDaniels, who may get an extra jolt from the home crowd after his viral postgame comments, and the Wolves suddenly have both confidence and edge. Donte DiVincenzo’s shooting and hustle deserves credit too.

With momentum and home support on their side, the question now is whether Minnesota can sustain that intensity, or if the emotional high of Game 2 fades

PICKS

Spread: Nuggets (-2)
Over/Under: Over (234)