Time to join the pack: How to watch the Timberwolves in the NBA playoffs
Updated: May 3, 7:40 a.m.
If you’re just now hearing about the hype with the Timberwolves, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
This is the first time in 20 years that the Timberwolves have made it to round 2 of the playoffs.
The Wolves swept the Phoenix Suns in four games in the first round.
For the past two seasons, Minnesota was knocked out of contention in the first round, including in 2023 in a five-game series against the now defending champions, the Denver Nuggets.
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They’ll face off against the Nuggets for the next round in the playoffs.
One additional note: head coach Chris Finch had to leave the last game in the fourth quarter after an accidental run-in with Wolves guard Mike Conley, causing a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee. Finch is recovering from surgery he had on Wednesday.
The team is planning for Finch to be with them in Denver to begin their Western Conference semifinal series and is considering seating configurations that would allow him to safely be on the bench during games.
Where will the games be played?
The Timberwolves are the third seed in the Western Conference, so the No. 2 seeded Nuggets will have the home court advantage for the series.
The first game is set for 6 p.m. CT Saturday in Denver, with Game 2 — also in Denver — tipping off at 9 p.m. CT on Monday. The series returns to Target Center for Game 3 at 8:30 p.m. CT Friday, May 10, with Game 4 set for 7 p.m. CT Sunday, May 12, in Minneapolis.
After the fourth game, the next three in the series — May 14, 16 and 19 — alternate between Denver and Minneapolis as needed. Game times have yet to be announced.
Tickets are now on sale for home games at the Target Center. You can buy them at the Timberwolves website or call 612-673-1234.
Previous matchups between Timberwolves and the Nuggets
During the regular season, the two teams split their matchups down the middle, 2-2. Timberwolves won the first and third matchups, while the Nuggets won the second and fourth.
And if you’re wondering about home court advantage, the two teams also split their wins between locations, two for each.
How to watch at home
Games 1 and 2 of the series will be broadcast on TNT, with Game 3 on ESPN. Game 4 will be back on TNT. TV broadcasts for Games 5, 6 and 7 — if necessary — are yet to be announced.
Radio broadcasts will be carried on KFAN 100.3-FM.
You can also watch NBA playoff games on streaming services like Hulu, Max, Fubo and Sling TV.
Watch parties planned
Falling Knife Brewing in Minneapolis will host watch parties for each game and have a TV truck outside when weather permits.
Tom’s Watch Bar in downtown Minneapolis, located a couple blocks away from Target Center, is a space where Wolves fans can get together and cheer for their team at every game.
Another classic Timberwolves watch party location is Park Tavern in St. Louis Park. “Every time there is a game we host watch parties,” said a representative.
Headflyer Brewing, located in the Miller textile building in Northeast Minneapolis, will provide four screens and game audio for the matches.
Players Sports Bar in Duluth is a go-to bar for sports fans. More than 12 TVs stream live sports games, many will have the NBA playoff games.
Know of a good local spot that will host a watch party that we should add to our list? Tell us at tell@mpr.org