Game Details
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET.
Venue: Target Center, 401 Chicago Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415. This 18,978-capacity arena, opened in 1990, is the home of the Minnesota Timberwolves and known for its intimate seating and loud fan base, which could amplify the home-court advantage. Located in downtown Minneapolis, it features modern LED lighting and a high-definition scoreboard, often favoring defensive-minded teams like the Timberwolves in high-stakes games.
Recent Team Forms
The Timberwolves enter on a hot streak, while the Cavaliers have been inconsistent but competitive in close games. Here’s a breakdown of their last five games (most recent first):
Cleveland Cavaliers (3-2 in last 5; streak: W2):
Win 120-116 vs. Indiana (Jan 6; Garland’s 29 points led a comeback).
Win 112-105 at Detroit (Jan 4; strong defense held Pistons under 110).
Loss 108-115 vs. Milwaukee (Jan 1; late turnovers cost them).
Win 118-110 at Chicago (Dec 30; efficient 50% FG shooting).
Loss 103-112 vs. Boston (Dec 28; struggled from three at 30%). Cleveland averages 113.4 PPG over this stretch while allowing 111.6, with a +1.8 net rating. Their road form is solid (3-2 in last 5 away), driven by Donovan Mitchell’s scoring (28.5 PPG recently).
Minnesota Timberwolves (4-1 in last 5; streak: W3):
Win 122-94 vs. Miami (Jan 6; dominant defense held Heat to 94 points).
Win 115-101 at Oklahoma City (Jan 4; Edwards exploded for 32 points).
Win 119-104 vs. Portland (Jan 1; balanced attack with five in double figures).
Loss 108-112 at Denver (Dec 30; close road defeat).
Win 124-115 vs. Golden State (Dec 28; Randle’s double-double key). Minnesota averages 119.2 PPG in wins but 108 in their loss, allowing just 105.2 overall in the streak. Home dominance (4-1 in last 5 at Target Center) highlights their elite defense.
Series History
The Cavaliers hold a slight all-time edge, but recent games have been defensive battles. Cleveland leads the regular-season series 70-58. In the last 10 meetings, the Cavs are 6-4, with an average total of 220.5 points.
Previous Meeting (2025-26 Season): None yet this season; last encounter was February 10, 2025 – Cavs 128-107 (at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse). Mitchell scored 35 in a blowout.
Other Recent Games: January 2, 2025 – Wolves 105-98; November 15, 2024 – Cavs 112-108. Games are often decided by single digits (average margin 8.4 points in last 5), with the under hitting in 7 of 10 due to strong defenses.
Minnesota seeks to build on home success against Eastern teams, while Cleveland aims to exploit mismatches.
Injury Report
Injuries could tilt the balance, with the Cavaliers dealing with key absences. Updates as of January 8, 2026 (afternoon report):
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Max Strus (SG/SF): Out – Fractured Left Foot (no timetable; significant loss for spacing and three-point shooting).
Dean Wade (PF): Out – Knee (expected back Jan 10; impacts bench defense).
Jaylon Tyson (G): GTD – Illness (day-to-day; if out, thins guard rotation). No other major issues, but the Cavs are monitoring fatigue after a recent road trip.
Minnesota Timberwolves:
No major injuries reported; full roster expected, though monitoring minor ailments for Rudy Gobert (rest) and Julius Randle (shoulder, but available). The Wolves’ depth remains intact, giving them an edge.
Key Player Matchups
This game pits offensive stars against elite defenders, potentially deciding the outcome in a defensive showcase.
Donovan Mitchell (CLE, SG) vs. Anthony Edwards (MIN, SG): Mitchell (28.2 PPG) drives the Cavs’ offense with pull-up threes; Edwards (26.5 PPG) must use his athleticism to contain him while providing scoring. Advantage: Edwards’ two-way impact at home.
Evan Mobley (CLE, PF/C) vs. Rudy Gobert (MIN, C): Mobley (17.8 PPG, 9.2 RPG) brings versatility; Gobert (12.5 PPG, 11.8 RPG, Defensive Player of the Year candidate) anchors the paint. If Mobley stretches the floor, Cleveland gains mismatches.
Darius Garland (CLE, PG) vs. Jaden McDaniels (MIN, SF): Garland (20.4 PPG, recently 29 vs. IND) excels in pick-and-roll; McDaniels’ length could disrupt. Watch for switches involving Julius Randle.
Minnesota’s defensive core (Gobert, McDaniels) could stifle Cleveland’s guards.
Betting Trends
Cleveland Cavaliers: 20-18 ATS overall (52.6%); 9-7 ATS on the road. They’ve gone under in 7 of last 10 (defensive focus), and as underdogs, 8-9 SU but 10-7 ATS. In away games, 11-10 in conference matchups.
Minnesota Timberwolves: 22-15 ATS (59.5%); 12-7 ATS at home. Under has hit in 8 of last 10 (elite defense), and as favorites, 18-5 SU but 14-9 ATS. During win streak, allowing under 105 PPG.
Head-to-Head Trends: Under in 7 of last 10 (avg. 220.5 points); Cavs 6-4 SU in last 10, but Wolves 3-2 at home. Underdogs 6-4 ATS.
League-Wide: Western vs. Eastern unders hit 58% this season; home favorites like Minnesota are 60% ATS.
Game Odds
Cleveland Cavaliers 238.5
Minnesota Timberwolves – 2.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 7, 2026
