When: 6 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Target Center, Minneapolis
TV/Radio: ALT; 950 AM
Spotlight on Jimmy Butler: The Timberwolves’ all-star has returned from a 17-game absence due to knee surgery, a needed jolt for this regular-season finale that will determine the final Western Conference playoff participant. Butler is averaging 22 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists and two steals per game. And he has gone off in crunch time in his two previous games against the Nuggets this season — scoring 25 points (11 in the fourth quarter) in a 112-104 comeback win in Denver on Dec. 20 and dropping 39 points (including all 14 of Minnesota’s overtime points) in a wild 128-125 victory in Minneapolis a week later.
Notebook
Nuggets: They are riding a six-game winning streak — including a gutty 100-96 victory over Minnesota less than a week ago — to put themselves in position to clinch their first playoff berth since 2013. … Second-leading scorer returned from an 11-game absence due to a right knee sprain/strain in Monday’s win over Portland, scoring 12 points on 4-of-9 shooting in 18 minutes and adding two steals. Harris came off the bench Monday, with remaining in the starting lineup. … Jokic has compiled two triple-doubles in a row and 10 on the season, trailing only Russell Westbrook (25), (18) and Ben Simmons (12) in that category. Jokic is averaging 22.7 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists over his past 15 games. … Denver’s suspect defense has cranked up during its winning streak, entering Tuesday ranked fifth in the NBA in opponent field-goal percentage (43.3) over that stretch.
Timberwolves: They are 6-4 in their last 10 games to slip in the standings, but beat Memphis Monday to stay alive in the postseason chase. … Minnesota entered Tuesday ranked fifth in the NBA in offensive efficiency (110.8 points per 100 possessions) but 23rd in defensive efficiency (108.4 points allowed per 100 possessions. … Big man Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 21.2 points and 12.3 rebounds per game. The latter category ranked fifth in the NBA entering Tuesday. … Minnesota entered Tuesday ranked last in the NBA in 3-pointers made (eight) and attempted (22.5) per game.
