Cleveland Cavaliers (34-6) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (22-19)
January 18, 2025 9:00 pm EDT
The Line: Minnesota Timberwolves +5.5; Over/Under: 228
(Get latest betting odds)
The Cleveland Cavaliers invade the Target Center to battle the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night. Here’s a Timberwolves vs Cavaliers Prediction. This article will include a Timberwolves vs Cavaliers Pick.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been on a tear as they’ve won 17 of their last 20 games overall, but they will be hoping to bounce back in this one after getting shocked by the Thunder in a 134-114 road defeat on Thursday. Darius Garland led the team with 20 points and nine assists on seven of 10 shooting, Jarrett Allen added 13 points while Ty Jerome chipped in with 12 points off the bench but no other player finished in double figures in scoring. As a team, the Cavaliers shot 46 percent from the field and 13 of 42 from the 3-point line as they struggled against the defense of the Thunder from the start. Scoring just 14 points in the first quarter to fall into an early hole, before they leaked 44 points in the third quarter to trail by as many as 42 points at one stage. The Cavs will meet the Suns and Rockets after this game.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves have been in great shape as they’ve won five of their last seven games overall and they will be eager to stay hot after routing the Knicks in a 116-99 road win last night. Anthony Edwards led the team with 36 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists on 12 of 21 shooting, Naz Reid added 23 points off the bench while Mike Conley chipped in with 13 points. As a team, the Timberwolves shot 53 percent from the field and a sizzling 22 of 40 from the 3-point line. The Timberwolves worked hard to hang onto a narrow halftime lead before they dominated the fourth quarter by 35-21 to pull away and win comfortably on the road. The Timberwolves committed 16 turnovers, but they played great defense to hold the Knicks to just 38 percent shooting for the game.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win
- The Timberwolves have won six of their last seven games as home underdogs when playing with a rest disadvantage.
- The Cavaliers have lost three of their last four games as road favorites against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Timberwolves have covered the spread in each of their last seven games as home underdogs when playing with a rest disadvantage.
- The Cavaliers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five road games against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back.
Why the Cleveland Cavaliers will win
- The Cavaliers have won each of their last 10 night games following a road loss.
- The Timberwolves have lost each of their last four home games when playing with a rest disadvantage.
- The Timberwolves have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven games at Target Center.
- The Cavaliers have covered the spread in each of their last six games as road favorites.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Cavaliers’ last seven games against Northwest Division opponents has gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of the Timberwolves’ last seven home games against Central Division opponents has gone UNDER the total points line.
Timberwolves vs Cavaliers Prediction
The Cavaliers could be shorthanded here as Isaac Okoro and Evan Mobley are both questionable, while the Timberwolves are playing without Donte DiVincenzo and Leonard Miller once again. The Cavaliers will be so disappointed with their loss to the Thunder on Thursday as they just didn’t give themselves much of a chance after such a poor start. I am expecting them to come out swinging in this one. The Timberwolves are coming into this game with plenty of momentum and they looked solid in last night’s big win over the Knicks. It’s going to be tough to replicate that effort on zero days’ rest against one of the best teams in the league. Give me the Cavaliers to bounce back with a win and cover at this modest line.
