On Saturday night, the Minnesota Timberwolves (22-19) host the Cleveland Cavaliers (34-6) in a cross-conference matchup with plenty of intrigue. The Timberwolves are operating with a rest disadvantage, having earned a decisive victory over the New York Knicks on Friday night.
However, the Cavaliers look vulnerable, with losses of 15 and 20 points in two of their last three games. Can Cleveland right the ship and get back in the win column? Or is Minnesota a live dog at home? Let’s dive into the matchup and find out.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Odds
Preview: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, 9:00 p.m. ET
| Team | Spread | Money | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavaliers | -6 (-110) | -225 | O 226.5 (-110) |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | +6 (-110) | +188 | U 226.5 (-110) |
Odds as of January 18, 2025 at Sportsbook
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Picks
Cleveland Cavaliers -6 at FanDuel
The Cavaliers are currently on pace for almost 70 wins, which would be the all-time franchise record. First-year head coach Kenny Atkinson has unlocked the potential of this group, and it’s been a full-team effort with six players scoring in double figures. Donovan Mitchell leads the way with 22.7 points per game, and he’ll hope to bounce back after a disappointing showing in the Cavs’ loss to the Thunder - he finished with eight points on 3-15 shooting.
The Timberwolves have the length to give Mitchell some trouble on the defensive end, particularly with Jaden McDaniels swarming opposing scorers with a 6’9” frame and 7’0” wingspan. However, they don’t have a secondary elite defender to hang with Darius Garland, who has also had a stellar season for Cleveland, averaging 21 points and 6.8 assists per game.
Minnesota has struggled to generate consistent scoring, ranking just 15th in offensive rating this season. Anthony Edwards has shouldered a massive burden, averaging 26.1 points per game, but his efficiency has suffered. He’s shooting just 44.5% from the field, which would be the second-lowest mark of his career. The Cavaliers have elite rim protection to defend Edwards, with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen stifling opposing scorers in the paint.
The Timberwolves are in a difficult spot in this game, having earned an emotional victory on the road over the Knicks last night. This also marks their third game in four days after a one-point nailbiter loss to the Warriors on Wednesday. The Cavaliers will be fresh entering this game after no starter played more than 25 minutes against the Thunder on Thursday, and they’ll avenge that embarrassing blowout loss on national TV with a beatdown of the Wolves on the road.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Player Prop
Rudy Gobert OVER 10.5 Rebounds (-144) at Fanduel
While the Timberwolves are in a difficult spot in this Saturday matchup, Rudy Gobert should be at an advantage in the rebounding department. Despite playing with two big men, the Cavaliers rank just 18th in rebounding rate at 49.7%. In two matchups against Cleveland last season, Gobert finished with 17 and 15 rebounds. The Cavs have allowed big rebounding games to a handful of centers in recent matchups, including Myles Turner (10), Isaiah Hartenstein (11), Dereck Lively (11), Anthony Davis (13), Trayce Jackson-Davis (16), and Nikola Jokic (14). Gobert is poised to collect plenty of rebounding opportunities in this matchup.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Trends
- The Cavaliers are 13-5 ATS on the road this season (72.2%)
- The Timberwolves are 4-14-1 ATS at home this season (22.2%)
- The Cavaliers are 24-12 ATS as a favorite this season (66.7%)
