(5%) DENVER. The T-Wolves were certainly impressive in sweeping the Suns. They've have a great season and are not to under-estimated. They're better than the Minnesota team which Denver defeated in last year's playoffs. That said, they're going up against the defending champs. Rested and ready and having had their “wake-up call” against the Lakers, the Nuggets are going to be ready. The champs were 36-8 at home this season. They beat the T-Wolves by nine the last meeting here. 

A very well-coached team, Denver has done a great job of taking care of business in the first game of a series. The Nuggets were 8-pt favorites for Game 1 of last year's series. They won by 29. The Nuggets, 11-6 ATS their last 17 with three or more days rest in between games, would end up with a 4-0 (3-1 ATS) record in Game 1's of last year's playoffs. Wins came by 29, 18, 6 and 11 points. All four wins came by more than five points. They also won Game 1 of this year's playoffs by 11. The series will likely be a battle but Game 1 goes to champs. *good at 5% at -5 or better