Minnesota announced its starting five for the opener: Donte DiVincenzo, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert. This group has been the team’s preferred unit when healthy, with Ayo Dosunmu having started earlier in the season while McDaniels was sidelined by injury.
Edwards’ injury status had been listed as questionable due to right knee management, but the star guard will suit up. He last played on April 10 against Houston, eight days before this playoff game, and his pregame routine suggested he would participate. If Edwards is limited, his teammates will need to manage the workload carefully in the series.
Defensively, Gobert is expected to draw Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, a pivotal matchup this series. Minnesota could use Dosunmu and Naz Reid as early substitutes, with the potential to lean on either of them in late-game situations depending on the flow of play.
The Timberwolves and Nuggets have met in recent playoff series, contributing to a budding rivalry. Game 1 is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CST and will be broadcast on Prime Video. Edwards enters the playoffs averaging 28.8 points, five rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, making his health a central factor for Minnesota’s postseason hopes.
