The Cleveland Cavaliers (26-13) head to Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves (25-16) in a game that has the potential to be high-scoring. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, January 8, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports – Ohio.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 220 points with Cleveland opening as a 1-point favorite.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves ATS Prediction
The Cavaliers come in on a high note after defeating the Orlando Magic in their last contest, 131-127. The Cavaliers knocked down 22 of their 31 free throws (71.0 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (13.6 vs. 15.0). Cleveland received a boost from LeBron James, who was the top scorer from either team with 33 points on 12-for-23 shooting.
The last time the Timberwolves played, they had no trouble getting past the New Orleans Pelicans, 116-98. The Timberwolves, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 24.5, had a superb mark of 29.5 and had a turnover percentage of 8.3 (better than their season average of 11.6). With 21 points and 16 rebounds, Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns played well.
The productive offense of Minnesota will clash against the porous defense of Cleveland. The Timberwolves rank fifth in offensive efficiency, while the Cavaliers are 27th in defensive efficiency. The Timberwolves should have the advantage on that end of the court.
Cleveland has a respectable 26-13 straight up (SU) record, but they have trouble covering the spread (12-26-1 against the spread (ATS)). Of the Cavaliers’ 39 games, 20 have finished over the O/U total.
Minnesota has a respectable 25-16 SU record, but they have a difficult time covering the spread (18-21-2 ATS). Games featuring the Timberwolves have finished over the total 48.8 percent of the time.
After the Cavaliers won both matchups against the Timberwolves last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent contest, Cleveland won 116-108. Cleveland had a better offensive rebounding percentage (21.4 vs. 19.0). Minnesota, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (8.7 vs. 9.5).
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Timberwolves, ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Cleveland is 9-11 ATS with 11 unders and 9 overs.
Minnesota is 7-12-1 ATS at home with 10 unders, 9 overs and 1 push.
Cleveland is 10-1 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Minnesota is 12-4.
The Timberwolves are 23-8 when they score above 100 points, while the Cavaliers are 26-8.
Cleveland ranks third in three pointers attempted per game (32.8) while Minnesota ranks 28th (22.6).
The Cavaliers rank seventh in assists per game (23.4) while the Timberwolves rank 22nd in assists allowed per game (24.0).
Minnesota ranks third in steals per game (9.0) while Cleveland ranks 17th (7.4).
The Timberwolves rank second in rebounds allowed per game (41.3) while the Cavaliers rank 16th (43.1).
Minnesota averages 47.4 points in the paint per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. Cleveland ranks 20th in points allowed in the paint per game (45.5).
The Timberwolves rank second in points off turnovers per game (18.7) while the Cavaliers rank 14th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.1).
Minnesota averages 14.0 second chance points per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. Cleveland ranks 16th in second chance points allowed per game (12.4).
The Cavaliers rank fourth in blocks allowed per game (4.0) while the Timberwolves rank 10th (4.6).
Cleveland averages 10.0 fast break points per game, which ranks 17th in the league. Minnesota ranks 23rd in fast break points allowed per game (13.0).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Cleveland is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Minnesota is 3-2 ATS with 5 unders over their last five games.
The Cavaliers have been outscored by an average of 2.0 points in their last five games. For the season, Cleveland has defeated opponents by an average of 2.7 points.
During their last five games, the Timberwolves have scored an average of 103.6 points per game (4.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 94.6 points per game (10.6 below their season average).
