Nuggets Timberwolves game 5: 3 key matchups that could tip the scales

The Nuggets and Timberwolves will do battle in what is set up to be an epic game 5 of their best-of-seven second-round NBA playoff series. The Wolves thumped the Nuggets in the first two games of the series in Denver, but the Nuggets struck back, winning the next two in Minnesota.

Now things are all even at two games apiece as we head into the ever-crucial game 5. Denver will host the game, but so far this series home court disadvantage has been the theme. The Nuggets will look to buck that trend as teams that win game 5 of a 2-2 series historically have gone on to win the series 83% of the time.

This has obviously been a back-and-forth series but it seems like these teams have started to figure each other out and cream is rising to the top. Nikola Jokic and Anthony Edwards have been leading their respective teams as their opponents try to find answers.

But playoff games are often decided on the margins and there are many matchups beyond the performances of these two superstars that will determine the outcome of game 5. Here is a look at 3 key matchups to watch that should go a long way in deciding Tuesday night’s massive game.