Timberwolves and Nuggets Set the Stage for a Christmas Night Showdown
The NBA’s Christmas Day slate is set to wrap up in style, and all eyes are on Denver as the Timberwolves and Nuggets prepare to close out the holiday with a late-night showdown. After four games earlier in the day, this matchup is being positioned as the finale, and it feels fitting given the recent history and growing rivalry between these two Western Conference contenders.
Both teams are coming into this game with something to prove. Just a year ago, their playoff runs were ended by the Oklahoma City Thunder, and since then, it has been clear that unfinished business has been carried into this season. Minnesota, in particular, has been gaining confidence in high-profile games. The Timberwolves did play on Christmas last year and were able to edge out the Dallas Mavericks in a gritty win. Historically, though, Christmas games have been a rare occasion for the franchise. Before 2024, Minnesota had only appeared on the holiday twice, making this moment feel a bit special for the fan base.
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Denver, on the other hand, is getting used to the spotlight. This will be their fourth straight Christmas Day appearance, and while last year ended in a loss to the Suns, success had been found in the two seasons before that. Still, the Nuggets’ overall Christmas history hasn’t been kind, with more losses than wins across the decades. That context adds an extra layer of intrigue, especially with Ball Arena hosting such a late tip-off.
The game is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. Eastern time in Denver, where altitude and home-court energy are often factors. It will be nationally televised on ABC and ESPN, with live streaming also available, making it one of the most accessible games of the day despite the late hour.
From a competitive standpoint, Denver enters as a slight favorite, but the situation is far from straightforward. Injuries have been piling up for the Nuggets, and the absence of key rotation players has already been felt. Cameron Johnson is expected to miss several weeks after suffering a knee injury, joining Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun on the sidelines. That stretch of availability has been tested, and more responsibility is being placed on the remaining core.
Minnesota arrives with momentum and confidence, knowing they’ve had success against Denver in recent matchups. This game is being framed as more than just a regular-season contest. It feels like a measuring stick, a reminder of last year’s playoff battles, and a potential preview of what could come again in the spring. As a Christmas nightcap, it promises drama, tension, and a fitting end to a full day of NBA basketball.
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