The stage is set for the Western Conference Semifinals where the Minnesota Timberwolves take on the defending champion Denver Nuggets, with eyes on both teams for a high-stakes series. According to The Commercial Appeal, the Nuggets are the favorites to win, while the Timberwolves have become a fan favorite led by an explosive Anthony Edwards.

Action Network reports a heavy lean toward the underdog Timberwolves at Fanatics Sportsbook, where 94.1 percent of tickets, and 76.6 percent of the money wagered are backing Minnesota. The Timberwolves odds have shifted from +200 to +175 as a result. Despite the public's leaning, Denver remains the favorite to take the Western Conference, with +105 odds compared to Minnesota's +400, as per the New York Post.

Both teams boast strong rosters: the Nuggets are led by Nikola Jokic, the likely soon-to-be three-time MVP, and Jamal Murray, known for his playoff prowess, as For The Win notes. Edwards, Minnesota's rising superstar, is joined by the defensive force of Rudy Gobert, who is expected to claim his fourth Defensive Player of the Year Award, and has been instrumental in the Timberwolves' defensive successes this season.

The matchup promises to be fiercely competitive, especially considering the stakes and previous contests. The teams split their regular-season meetings, each winning two games against the other. In the playoffs, anything could happen, yet it seems that the betting public is cautiously optimistic about the Timberwolves' ability to extend their magical season. The two teams will face off for Game 1 this Saturday, in a series that no doubt has both the Nuggets' and Timberwolves' fanbases on the edge of their seats.