The Cleveland Cavaliers (14-12) travel to Minnesota on Friday to take on the Timberwolves (11-14) at Target Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 P.M. EST on Friday, December 10th in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The Cavs have gone 5-5 over their past 10 matchups and emerged victorious in their last game on Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls. Cleveland has performed admirably so far in 2021 and they would be in the playoffs if the regular season ended today.
Minnesota has also gone 5-5 over their past 10 games, but they were defeated in their last contest on Wednesday against the Utah Jazz.
The Timberwolves will look to bounce back against this surprisingly impressive Cavaliers team on Friday night.
Cavaliers at Timberwolves Betting Analysis
On the Cavaliers Side
When Collin Sexton got injured, it appeared as if the Cavaliers strong start to the season would be all for not. However, Cleveland continued to play well and currently places seventh in the Eastern Conference. While nobody is predicting the Cavs to win the FInals or anything of that nature, Cleveland has established themselves as a postseason contender in the East.
The Cavaliers upset an injury-riddled Chicago Bulls squad on Wednesday by a final tally of 115-92. Darius Garland led the way with 23 points and 6 assists. The emerging young star is now averaging 19.5 points and 7.2 assists per game on the season.
Jarret Allen also contributed 13 points and 12 rebounds in the victory, while reigning Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month Award winner Evan Mobley added 16 points and 9 boards.
Cleveland’s core has held firm and looks like their success is not a fluke.
Despite ranking just 23rd in points overall, the team shares the ball well and scores in an efficient manner. Cleveland ranks in the top half of the league in assists, field goal percentage, and three-point percentage.
Darius Garland and the Cavs will look to continue their strong performance against the Timberwolves on Friday.
On the Timberwolves Side
The Wolves were defeated handily by the red hot Utah Jazz 136-104 on Wednesday.
Nonetheless, Superstar Karl-Anthony Towns dropped 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists in the game. Anthony Edwards added 18 points and 5 assists as well.
Towns have led Minnesota with 24.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per game so far in 2021. Edwards has also impressed with 21.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. DeAngelo Russell leads the team in assists with 6.4 per game to go along with 19 points per contest.
These three players have the potential to lead Minnesota to a playoff spot in the West. After all, the Wolves do rank 13th overall in the NBA in points per game.
However, taking care of the ball has been an issue in Minnesota. The team ranks 27th in the NBA in turnovers per game. If the Timberwolves can limit those mistakes they could surprise people and make a competitive run in the second half of the season.
But for now, they will focus on improving their turnover numbers on Friday night against Cleveland.
Cavaliers at Timberwolves Prediction
The majority of top sportsbooks project this to be a competitive basketball game all throughout. However, the consensus seems to believe Cleveland will emerge victoriously.
Despite playing on the road, I like Cleveland in this game as well. With the star ability of Darius Garland and with big men Mobley and Allen, the Cavs matchup well with the Timberwolves.
Minnesota features one true post threat in Towns, while Allen and Mobley combine for a lethal duo in the key. Anthony Edwards might post big numbers in this contest, but the Cavs should walk away with a win regardless.
Take the Cavaliers with your betting pick.