Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves – Preview & Prediction (Dec. 25, 2025)

Game preview

The Denver Nuggets welcome the Minnesota Timberwolves on Christmas night. Denver has been up and down lately — they’ve won one of their last three after a six-game winning streak earlier in the month. Even with injuries to key pieces, the Nuggets sit at 21–8 and remain one of the West’s top teams.

Nikola Jokic has been the driving force. He’s played every game, is flirting with a triple-double average, and leads the league in rebounds and assists. His passing and decision-making keep Denver dangerous even when role players are banged up. The team recently suffered a close loss when a wide-open shot at the buzzer missed, and they also lost Cameron Johnson to injury — a blow given they’re already without Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon.

The Timberwolves come in hot, having won three straight over solid opponents and 10 of their last 12. Minnesota sits 20–10 and has been at its best when Anthony Edwards is on. Edwards has carried the offense in recent wins, including a big night against his former teammate, and the Wolves have backed him up with stout defense. Their numbers show a top-10 offense and a top-5 defense, which makes them a real threat if they keep playing at this level.

Injury notes are simple: Denver is missing Braun and Gordon, with Cameron Johnson questionable, while Minnesota’s only notable concern is Jaden McDaniels being listed as questionable.

Prediction

These teams have already met twice this season and Denver won both meetings on the road, 127–114 and 123–112. That history, plus Denver’s reliance on Jokic to control the game, gives the Nuggets an edge at home.

Despite Minnesota’s recent form and strong defense, I expect Denver to respond after their last loss and cover the narrow spread. Take the Nuggets to win and cover.

Tip-off: Thursday, 10:30 p.m. EST, December 25, 2025
Prediction: Denver Nuggets -2.5
Odds: 1.78
Stake: 2 units