NBA fans are just days away from one of the most exciting matchups in years.
After beating the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, the Denver Nuggets are now set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the playoffs.
This will be a battle between some of the biggest names in the game and it promises to be fierce and truly riveting.
On Tuesday’s “First Take,” Stephen A. Smith looked at the two teams and made a prediction.
“If Jamal Murray is healthy, Denver wins this series in seven games. If he ain’t, they lose,” he said.
“If Jamal Murray is healthy, Denver wins this series in seven games. If he ain’t, they lose.”
😯 @stephenasmith pic.twitter.com/7XwOWbP64G
— First Take (@FirstTake) April 30, 2024
That’s a lot of pressure on Murray’s shoulders, but the young star can take it.
He was sensational during his team’s series against the Lakers, repeatedly posting incredible buzzer-beater game-winning shots and playing with speed, efficiency, and range despite an injury.
Murray has been trying to get ahead of a nagging calf strain and was actually questionable for Monday night’s game against LA.
In the end, he played and didn’t seem even slightly impaired.
He scored 32 points and 7 assists.
Murray was looking great but the Timberwolves will be much more challenging than the Lakers.
The Timberwolves are bigger and harder to get past, especially with Rudy Gobert on the floor.
Additionally, T-Wolves star Anthony Edwards has been terrific all year, especially during the playoffs.
The Nuggets will need Murray to keep lighting up the scoreboard and posting his trademark game-winners.
The good news is that he has a few days off to work on his calf and get even healthier.
But even if Murray is at 100%, taking down the Timberwolves will be a truly difficult task that could push the Nuggets harder than ever before.
NEXT:
Kristaps Porzingis Sends A Message Amid Injury Concerns
