Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart for Jan. 25, 2025

The Denver Nuggets start a five-game road trip with a rematch against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday. Denver hopes to bounce back after losing 119-116 in the first meeting in early November. The Nuggets, 8-1 since losing 118-106 to the Boston Celtics on Jan. 7, could extend their four-game winning run following their visit to Minneapolis.

While the Nuggets are surging, the Timberwolves are 3-4 in their last seven games. Minnesota has had trouble executing well on both ends during its up-and-down stretch. The Timberwolves should step up, or the Nuggets could run through them during the rematch.

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Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Report

Denver Nuggets injury report

Trey Alexander and Jones Spencer did not travel to Minnesota following their assignment to the G League. Vlatko Cancar (surgery rehabilitation) and DaRon Holmes II (tendon repair) are on the inactive list.

Minnesota Timberwolves injury report

Donte DiVincenzo (toe) and Terrence Shannon Jr. (foot) are unavailable on Saturday. Anthony Edwards is questionable due to non-Covid-related illness.

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Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves Starting Lineups and Depth Chart

Denver Nuggets starting lineup and depth chart

Starters	2nd	3rd
Jamal Murray
Russell Westbrook	Julian Strawther	Jalen Pickett
Christian Braun	Peyton Watson
Michael Porter Jr.	Aaron Gordon	Hunter Tyson
Nikola Jokic	DeAndre Jordan	Dario Saric

Minnesota Timberwolves starting lineup and depth chart

Starters	2nd	3rd
Mike Conley	Rob Dillingham
Anthony Edwards	Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Jaden McDaniels	Josh Minott	Joe Ingles
Julius Randle
Rudy Gobert	Naz Reid	Luka Garza

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Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves: Key matchups

Rudy Gobert vs Nikola Jokic

The Rudy Gobert matchup against Nikola Jokic is the battle to watch out for in the Nuggets-Timberwolves game. Minnesota needs the reigning and four-time Defensive Player of the Year to slow down "The Joker."

The Serbian is averaging 23.2 points, 15.0 rebounds and 11.4 assists in his last five games. Jokic played in the fourth quarter in just one of those games, underlining his dominance. The Nuggets are 15-4 when the reigning MVP records a triple-double and 119-31 in his career.

Minnesota's chances of beating Denver improve if "The Stifle Tower" can force Jokic to struggle.

Russell Westbrook vs Anthony Edwards

The Timberwolves will likely stash Anthony Edwards on Christian Braun early in the game to prevent the star guard from getting into foul trouble. "Ant-Man" could assert a bigger role on defense when needed. Edwards could spend time chasing Russell Westbrook.

"Brodie" has had a big impact on the Nuggets’ recent surge. The connection between Jokic and the former MVP has elevated Mike Malone’s offense. Keeping Russ contained could be Edwards’ job.

Jamal Murray vs Jaden McDaniels

Before Russell Westbrook’s resurgence, Anthony Edwards often took on Jamal Murray. With Edwards likely shadowing Brodie, it could be Jaden McDaniels’ task to prevent Murray from having a big scoring night.

Minnesota’s defensive ace could make Murray struggle with his shots, forcing the Canadian to function more as a playmaker. How the Timberwolves’ defensive adjustments work against Denver’s rolling offense could determine the outcome.