The Denver Nuggets have found momentum at exactly the right time.
Now, a new injury development on the other side may be tilting the series further in their favor.
Ahead of a pivotal Game 6, the Minnesota Timberwolves added Ayo Dosunmu to their injury report with right calf soreness — another blow to a backcourt already without Anthony Edwards (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles). Bones Hyland is also dealing with knee soreness, further complicating Minnesota’s rotation.
For Denver, the timing could not be more significant.
Nuggets Build Momentum After Game 5 Breakthrough
The Nuggets kept their season alive with a 125-113 win in Game 5, cutting the series deficit to 3-2 and shifting pressure back to Minnesota.
Nikola Jokić led the way with 27 points, 16 assists and 12 rebounds — his 23rd career playoff triple-double — while Jamal Murray added 24 points.
After struggling offensively earlier in the series, Denver rediscovered its rhythm, playing with the balance and efficiency that defined its regular season.
Now, the Nuggets are one win away from forcing a Game 7.
Ayo Dosunmu Injury Adds New Variable
GettyAyo Dosunmu reacts after a playoff game as the Minnesota Timberwolves add him to the injury report ahead of Game 6 against the Denver Nuggets.
Minnesota’s latest update introduces another layer of uncertainty.
Dosunmu has been one of the Timberwolves’ most reliable offensive options, particularly with Edwards and DiVincenzo sidelined. Over his last five games, he has averaged 21.8 points, 4.0 assists and 2.8 rebounds while shooting 60.9% from the field and 54.5% from 3-point range.
He followed a historic 43-point Game 4 performance with 18 points in Game 5, logging heavy minutes as Minnesota leaned on him to carry a larger offensive load.
If he is limited or unavailable, the Timberwolves could face even greater challenges generating consistent scoring.
Betting Markets Reflect Shifting Series Momentum
The shifting dynamics are already showing up beyond the court.
The Denver Nuggets are listed as 6.5-point favorites across sportsbooks for Game 6, a notable position for a team still trailing in the series.
The line reflects growing confidence in Denver’s trajectory — fueled by consecutive wins, Jokić’s resurgence and Minnesota’s mounting injury concerns.
With Dosunmu now joining Edwards, DiVincenzo and Hyland on the injury report, oddsmakers appear to be factoring in the possibility of a depleted Timberwolves rotation.
For a team that faced elimination just days ago, the shift is striking.
Timberwolves’ Depth Tested as Series Tightens
Minnesota still holds a 3-2 lead, but its margin for error continues to shrink.
The Timberwolves committed 25 turnovers in Game 5 and struggled to maintain offensive flow amid their injury issues. Without a full complement of guards, their ability to control tempo and create efficient scoring opportunities has been inconsistent.
Dosunmu’s status looms as a key factor in whether that changes in Game 6.
Nuggets Eye Familiar Comeback Path
History presents a challenge — but not an unfamiliar one for Denver.
The Nuggets became one of the few teams in NBA history to rally from a 3-1 deficit during the 2020 postseason, doing so twice. That experience remains part of the team’s identity.
With momentum building and Minnesota’s injury list growing, Denver’s path to extending the series appears increasingly viable.
Game 6 Stakes Continue to Climb
Game 6 shifts back to Minnesota, where the Timberwolves will attempt to close out the series at home.
For the Nuggets, the objective is clear: win again and force a Game 7.
For the Timberwolves, the challenge has evolved beyond execution — it is now about availability.
And with another key player added to the injury report, Denver’s comeback bid may have gained its strongest boost yet.
Nuggets’ Comeback Odds Rise After Timberwolves’ Surprise Injury Update Before Game 6