The Cleveland Cavaliers (34-6) travel to face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves (22-19) on Saturday, January 18th. This game will be played at Target Center in Minneapolis and televised on FDSO. The Timberwolves are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Cavaliers are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Cavaliers. Tip-off is set for 9:00 ET.

Cavaliers vs Timberwolves

The Cavaliers Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

The Cavaliers dropped to 34-6 this season after a 134-114 loss to the Thunder on Thursday. Cleveland, +2.5 point underdogs, failed to cover the spread, losing by 20 points. The total score of 248 points exceeded the over/under line of 232 by 16 points.

Oklahoma City took control early with an 11-0 run, stretching the score from 12-11 to 22-12. The Thunder outscored the Cavs 32-14 in the 1st quarter and 43-35 in the 2nd. They extended their lead by winning the 3rd quarter 44-32, leaving Cleveland trailing 119-81 going into the 4th. The Cavs finished strong, outscoring the Thunder 33-15 in the final quarter.

The Timberwolves Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

The Timberwolves improved to 22-19 on the season with a 116-99 road win over the Knicks on Friday. Minnesota, who entered the game as +3 point underdogs, not only won but covered the spread. The game’s total of 215 points fell just short of the 216.5 O/U line.

Minnesota’s defense was key, holding the Knicks to 21 points in both the 1st and 4th quarters. A 10-0 run early in the game helped them build a lead, and they closed out strong by outscoring New York 35-21 in the final period.

Cavaliers Offense Breakdown

In their 134-114 loss to the Thunder, the Cavaliers shot 46.7% from the field and connected on just 31% of their three-point attempts, making 13 threes overall. Darius Garland led the way with 20 points and 9 assists, shooting 70% from the floor, with 15 of his points coming in the 2nd quarter.

Jarrett Allen was perfect from the field, scoring 13 points and grabbing 7 rebounds, with 7 of his points coming in the 3rd quarter. Ty Jerome added 12 points, hitting 2 threes at 66.7%, and contributed 7 points in the 4th quarter.

Timberwolves Offense Breakdown

The Timberwolves shot 53.2% from the field and knocked down 22 threes at a 55% clip in their win over the Knicks. Anthony Edwards led the way with 36 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 threes, shooting 61.5% from deep.

Naz Reid added 23 points, hitting all 6 of his three-point attempts. Mike Conley contributed 13 points, with 10 coming in the 1st quarter.

Cavaliers Team Defense

The Cavaliers struggled defensively against the Thunder, giving up 134 points in the loss. Cleveland allowed 32 points in the 1st quarter, 43 in the 2nd, and 44 in the 3rd before tightening up in the 4th, where they gave up just 15 points. Overall, the Thunder shot 50% from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Cavaliers allowed 18 made threes at a 34% clip. The Thunder also went 10/11 from the free-throw line. Cleveland finished with 38 defensive rebounds, giving up 8 offensive boards, while adding 2 steals and 5 blocks.

Timberwolves Team Defense

The Cavaliers struggled defensively against the Thunder, giving up 134 points in the loss. Cleveland allowed 32 points in the 1st quarter, 43 in the 2nd, and 44 in the 3rd before tightening up in the 4th, where they gave up just 15 points. Overall, the Thunder shot 50% from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Cavaliers allowed 18 threes on 34% shooting. They sent the Thunder to the line 11 times, where they hit 10 free throws. Cleveland finished with 38 defensive rebounds, gave up 8 offensive boards, and recorded 2 steals and 5 blocks.

Cavaliers vs Timberwolves Trends

• Across their last five road contests, Cleveland has been good against the spread posting a mark of 4-1. Their overall mark in these games was 4-1, while averaging 122 points per game.
• Across their last five home contests, Minnesota has been good against the spread posting a mark of 3-2. Their overall mark in these games was 4-1, while averaging 109 points per game.
• As the betting underdog, the Timberwolves have an ATS record of 3-1-1 in their last five games. In these matchups their, straight up record was 3-2.
• Through their previous three contests as the betting favorite, the Cavaliers have a strong record of 2-1. Their record vs the spread in these matchups is 1-2.

Cavaliers vs Timberwolves Prediction

Our bet is on the Cavaliers for a win, and we project the score to be 135-123. Additionally, we expect them to cover the spread, so our recommendation is to wager on the Cavaliers with the spread at -6.5.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 227, and our model projects the Cavaliers and Timberwolves to reach a combined total of 258 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.