Jamal Murray has been in the spotlight in Denver’s second round series against the Timberwolves for all the wrong reasons. Poor play overall has led to the belief that he is still hurting with his calf. He also had the incident that resulted in a $100,000 fine. Yet, with three days off in between game two look for Murray to step up in a big way. Take his over.

Denver heads to Minnesota for game three in a heap of trouble. They were blown out at home in game two, and now find themselves attempting the impossible. This series is likely going to go the Timberwolves way, but I look for the defending champs to put together a better effort tonight. With three days off since game two, take the points with Denver.

Tim Connelly built the Nuggets as their GM before going to MIN and now he appears to have constructed the Wolves specifically to shutdown his former team. Their defensive tenacity, ridiculous length, quick hands, balanced depth and selflessness is giving the Nuggets fits. What they did to them on the road without Gobert was telling Nugs have no bench and Murray and KCP look cooked Denver is acting out like a bad AAU squad. KAT is now a defensive stud (+41 in 4 games vs DEN), the crowd in this small arena will be nuts and MIN has responded well to extra time off twice already this postseason. Nuggets slow starts will cripple them in this series.