Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Game 3: Tipoff time, watch parties, FOX 9 pregame/postgame

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - After dominating the Denver Nuggets in Game 2, the Minnesota Timberwolves head into Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals on Friday night at home at Target Center in Minneapolis.

Join FOX 9 for live coverage from Target Center on Friday as our sports team gets you ready for a crucial Game 3 matchup in the Western Conference semifinals. You can watch the FOX 9 Wolves Playoffs Live special at 3 p.m. on FOX LOCAL and streaming on FOX 9 and in the player above.

Amy Hockert’s pep talk for Timberwolves-Nuggets Game 3

FOX 9's Amy Hockert gives a pep talk to the Wolves ahead of the Timberwolves-Nuggets Game 3.

Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. And after the game, tune into FOX 9 for postgame coverage and press conferences.

Sen. Klobuchar talks Wolves tickets transparency

Sen. Amy Klobuchar spoke live about legislative measures for ticket transparency ahead of the Timberwolves return to Target Center Friday night.

Tune in again at 7 p.m. on FOX 9+, FOX LOCAL and streaming on FOX 9 and in the player above the latest ahead of tipoff.

Gov. Walz on tickets prices ahead of Wolves Game 3

Gov. Tim Walz talks ticket prices ahead of the Timberwolves game Friday. Gov. Walz signed the "Taylor Swift bill" into law on May 8, which requires ticket sellers to list the total costs (including fees and charges) at the time of purchase, prohibiting selling more than one copy of a ticket and prohibiting resellers from hiring someone to purchase tickets for resale.

Timberwolves watch parties in Minneapolis

Timberwolves DJ brings the hype before Game 3

The Timberwolves official DJ, DJ Mad Mardigan, talks with FOX 9's Hannah Flood about how he hypes up the fans during the games.

The Wolves are back at Target Center for their first game since April 23, and if you can't make it to the game, the team has partnered with 11 bars in Minneapolis to host watch parties for Games 3 and 4. Here's the list:

Tom’s Watch Bar at 609 Hennepin Ave.
Kieran’s Irish Pub at 85 N 6th St.
Lyon’s Pub at 16 South 6th St.
The Loop at 606 N Washington Ave. #100
8th Street Grill at 800 S Marquette Ave. Unit 107
The Local at 931 Nicollet Mall
Sneaky Pete’s at 14 N 5th St.
The Loon Cafe at 500 N 1st Ave.
Gluek’s Restaurant & Bar at 16 N 6th St.
The Corner Bar at 1501 Washington Ave. S

Wolves CMO talks white out at Game 3 vs. Nuggets

The Timberwolves Chief Marketing Officer Mike Grahl talks with FOX 9's Hannah Flood about preparations for fans ahead of Game 3 Friday night. Fans attending the game will receive an exclusive t-shirt for the white out planned.

Thirsty Pups watch party at The Park Tavern

Thirsty Pups talks Wolves watch party for Game 3

Timberwolves fan group Thirsty Pups speaks with FOX 9's Hannah Flood about the watch party they will be hosting for Game 3 at The Park Tavern in St. Louis Park.

The Timberwolves fan group, Thirsty Pups, will be at The Park Tavern in St. Louis Park, hosting a watch party for fans. They say to arrive early to get a table.

'Strip and Gobert' inspired by FOX 9's Hannah Flood

A Wolves playoff run wouldn't be complete without a signature cocktail — and a Minneapolis bar came through, making one in response to a suggestion made by FOX 9's Hannah Flood.

Hannah posted on Instagram suggesting someone make a "Strip and Gobert" — a play on the "strip and go naked" cocktail with a nod to Timberwolves player Rudy Gobert — for the Wolves' playoff run, and posted it on Instagram. Soon after, The Freehouse in Minneapolis responded, saying it had done just that.

The restaurant is now serving a "Strip and Gobert," featuring vodka, lemon, Freehouse lager, and a Tajin rim. It'll run you $10.

Mayor Frey talks downtown hype for Wolves Game 3

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey speaks with FOX 9's Hannah Flood at Target Center ahead of the Timberwolves Game 3 vs. the Nuggets. Frey speaks on the influx to downtown Minneapolis ahead of the big game.