Entering the NBA playoffs, the Denver Nuggets were one of a handful of teams expected to contend for the title. They had seemingly reloaded the roster around Nikola Jokic. But four games in, they’re already on the brink of being eliminated by the rival Minnesota Timberwolves.
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Emotions are running high on both sides. Denver is frustrated and Minnesota is dealing with injuries to key players. It should make for a great game tonight on NBC/Peacock.
Also, with the NFL draft in the books, NBC Sports’ Connor Rogers hands out his draft grades. For more NBA playoff and NFL offseason coverage, check out the NBC News website.
NBA Playoffs
After the Denver Nuggets lost Saturday night, falling behind the Minnesota Timberwolves 3-1 in the series, a reporter asked Jokic how he would assess his play so far in the series.
“Average,” Jokic said.
This is what the Timberwolves’ defense, and specifically center Rudy Gobert, had done to Jokic, arguably the best offensive player on the planet. Through four games, Jokic’s numbers look great on paper: 25 points, 14.5 rebounds, 7.8 assists per game. But Minnesota had forced him to shoot under 40% from the field and 18.5% from 3-point range.
In Saturday’s final moments, Jokic’s frustration boiled over. Instead of dribbling out the clock, in what would be a double-digit win, Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels scored an uncontested basket. Jokic confronted him and a scuffle ensued.
Afterward, a reporter asked Jokic why he had been so upset. “Because he scored and everybody stopped playing,” he said. “C’mon guys, you saw it, what happened.”
The Timberwolves somehow won by 16 despite losing their starting backcourt due to injury. Star guard Anthony Edwards exited the game with a knee injury; he’s expected to be out a few weeks and miss the rest of this series. Also, Donte DiVincenzo tore his Achilles tendon and surely won’t return until 2027.
“Losing those two guys was really tough — tough emotionally for the guys,” Minnesota coach Chris Finch said.
But Minnesota guard Ayo Dosunmu, a trade deadline acquisition from the Chicago Bulls, has been a revelation this series. He scored 43 points Saturday, making all five of his 3-point attempts and all 12 of his foul shots, after scoring 25 points in Game 3.
Now tonight, these two rivals square off at 10:30 p.m., on NBC/Peacock, with the Nuggets facing elimination. Can Jokic rediscover his shooting touch? Can Minnesota overcome the loss of two of its better players?
“We have been in this situation before,” Jokic said. “The most important is the next one.”
NFL Draft
At the 2026 NFL draft, some teams made smart plays, while others may have missed the mark. NBC Sports draft expert Connor Rogers went through every team and handed out draft grades. Be sure to check out the whole list here. But here are the two teams that earned top marks, along with each team’s first three picks.
Kansas City Chiefs, Grade: A
Round 1, Pick 6: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Round 1, Pick 29: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Round 2, Pick 40: R Mason Thomas, DE, Oklahoma
The Chiefs feel like they are entering the second version of the Patrick Mahomes era as this was a critical draft to change the roster.
Overall, I’m a really big fan. Mansoor Delane is an outside corner who can even travel with the opposition’s best. I’m not sure Peter Woods will regain his dominant 2024 form, but he’s a better player than he showed in 2025. R Mason Thomas gives them a flexible speed rusher off the edge that they really don’t have.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Grade: A
Round 1, Pick 15: Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami
Round 2, Pick 46: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
Round 3, Pick 84: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
If there’s anything you can count on with Tampa Bay GM Jason Licht, he is going to take the best talent that falls to him.
Fortunately, that also aligned with their needs in this draft. Getting Rueben Bain Jr. is exactly what their defensive line needed. Josiah Trotter is a smashmouth linebacker who still needs to evolve playing in space, but he blows up blockers.
Again, for draft grades and analysis on the other 30 NFL teams, read the full article here.
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What We’re Watching
It’s not just the Denver Nuggets. The Detroit Pistons, the top seed in the East, are also facing a potential early exit from the NBA playoffs. Detroit trails the Orlando Magic 2-1, with Game 4 tonight in Orlando. After a disappointing regular season, the Magic are finally healthy and not playing like a typical No. 8 seed.
Can the Nuggets avoid elimination? Can the Pistons even their series? Two pivotal games tonight on Peacock.
All times are Eastern:
- 8 p.m.: No. 1 Detroit Pistons vs. No. 8 Orlando Magic, on NBC/Peacock
- 9:30 p.m.: No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 8 Phoenix Suns, on Peacock
- 10:30 p.m.: No. 3 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves, on NBC/Peacock
That’s it for now! We’ll be back tomorrow.
