Cleveland Cavaliers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Picks and Predictions for Thurssday, January 8, 2026
The Cleveland Cavaliers will be on the road Thursday night, playing the Minnesota Timberwolves in Minneapolis, MN, at 8:00 PM at the Target Center. Cleveland has 21 wins and 17 losses this season coming into Thursday. The Minnesota Timberwolves return home Thursday night to extend their home streak, as they have 24 wins through 37 games. Cleveland comes into Thursday night having won for the last five overall following a four-point road victory against the Indiana Pacers in their last outing. The Minnesota Timberwolves come into Wednesday running hot, having won four of the last five, including three in a row, after a 28-point home victory against the Miami Heat in their last matchup. See why our NBA Picks for the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Minnesota Timberwolves are the Best!
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Cleveland looks to continue to play well
The Cleveland Cavaliers are coming into Thursday night four games above .500, currently 7.5 games back in the Central Division in the Eastern Conference. Cleveland has averaged 119.2 points on 46% shooting from the floor this season, and the Cavaliers are averaging 118.75 points per game over their last four victories. Defensively, Cleveland has held its own, allowing 116.8 points per game this season and 109.5 over its last four wins. The Cleveland offense carried the Cavaliers in their last outing, pouring in 120 points on 56% shooting from the floor, and Cleveland knocked down 10 triples in the game. Defensively, Cleveland did just enough, holding Indiana to 116 points on 46% shooting. The Cavaliers won the rebounding battle by 16 and forced 14 turnovers to seal the victory. Jarrett Allen and Sam Merrill both chipped in heavily for the Cavs last time out pouring in 19 points each. Evan Mobley was second on the roster with 20 points on 16 shots in 36 minutes. De'Andre Hunter was vital with 112 points in 22 minutes to lead the way off the bench.
Donovan Mitchell leads the Cleveland offense this season, averaging 29.8 points and 5.4 assists per game. Big man Evan Mobley is second on the roster, averaging 17.7 points, and leads the team with 8.9 rebounds per game. Darius Garland averages 17 points, and De’Andre Hunter is 4th on the team, averaging 14.7 points per game. Jarrett Allen averages 13.7 points, and Sam Merrill averages 13.3 points in just under 26 minutes per game.
Injuries: Jaylon Tyson, Larry Nance Jr., and Chris Livingston are all GTD….Dean Wade and Max Strus are both out
Timberwolves try to stay hot
The Minnesota Timberwolves are one of the better offensive teams in the NBA, averaging 119.6 points on 48% shooting from the floor, and Minnesota has upped that average to 131 points per game over their last four wins. Defensively, Minnesota has been just as strong, holding opponents to 114.1 points per game this season, and the Timberwolves are allowing 106.25 points per game across their last four victories. Defensively, Minnesota had one of its best games of the season last time out, holding Miami to just 94 points, including only 17 in the fourth quarter, as the Heat shot 36% from the floor and 32% from beyond the arc. Minnesota won the rebounding battle by 13 and forced 18 turnovers in the game. Offensively, Minnesota rolled, scoring 122 points, including 61 in each half, on 46% shooting from the floor, and the Timberwolves knocked down 14 triples in the game. Anthony Edwards led the way for the Minnesota offense in their last outing with 26 points on 18 shots. Jaden McDaniels added a 2nd best 19 points on 15 shots in 34 minutes. Naz Reid led the way off the Minnesota bench with 14 points on 12 shots in 25 minutes.
Anthony Edwards leads the Minnesota offense this season, averaging 29.4 points per game. Julius Randle is second on the team, averaging 22.3 points, to go along with the team-leading 5.7 assists. Jaden McDaniels averaged 14.4 points, and Naz Reed is averaging 14.3 points per game. Donte DiVincenzo averages 13 points, and Rudy Gobert averages 11.3 points to go along with a team-leading 1.1 rebounds per contest.
Injuries: Rocco Sikarsky is GTS… Terrence Shannon Jr. is out
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Pick
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Tony Karpinski | +2,494.00 |
| 2 |  Joe Duffy | +1,859.00 |
| 3 |  The Insiders Room | +1,788.00 |
| 4 |  Mark Ruelle | +1,428.00 |
| 5 |  Jackie Mack | +1,400.00 |
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Spread Pick
- Minnesota Timberwolves -3.5 ( 3 Units)
The Minnesota Timberwolves are the better team in this matchup, and they will continue their recent winning ways Thursday night. Minnesota also has the advantage of being the healthier team. The tables are better on both sides of the ball and will thrive Thursday night in front of their home fans. Look for Minnesota to continue to roll as they get the winning cover at home Thursday night to extend their current winning streak.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Over/Under Pick
- Under 239.5 (2 Units)
Both teams can score in bunches, but Thursday night will be a defensive struggle. These are two of the better teams in each conference, and each will look to continue playing well. Expect a defensive struggle as each team will lock in on that side of the floor Thursday night. Look for points to come at a premium Thursday night in Minnesota as the Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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