The Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in an Eastern Conference road game for the Wolves, marking the second matchup between these teams in three days following their January 8 clash in Minneapolis. The Timberwolves, atop the Western Conference standings, aim to extend their winning streak against a Cavaliers squad looking to bounce back from recent inconsistencies and climb the Eastern ladder. This contest could hinge on perimeter shooting and frontcourt battles, with both teams dealing with minor injury concerns.
Venue Location
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, Ohio.
Tipoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. CT).
Recent Team Forms
The Timberwolves are surging, riding a four-game winning streak and going 7-3 in their last 10 games, with a +8.2 point differential.
They recently dominated the Miami Heat 122-94 on January 8 and edged the Cavaliers 131-122 in their prior matchup on January 8, averaging 118.5 points scored and 110.3 allowed in that span.
On the road, Minnesota is 10-8, winning three of their last five away contests despite occasional turnover issues.
The Cavaliers have been up-and-down, posting a 4-6 record in their last 10 games with a -2.4 point differential.
They fell 131-122 to the Timberwolves on January 8 and lost 110-114 to the Detroit Pistons on January 6, but secured wins like a 139-132 thriller over Charlotte on December 22.
At home, Cleveland is 12-6, but they’ve dropped two of their last three at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, allowing 114.5 points per game in recent losses.
Injury Report
Minnesota Timberwolves:
Mike Conley (PG): Out (Rest).
Anthony Edwards (SG): Questionable (Right Foot; soreness from January 8 game).
Julius Randle (PF): Questionable (Thumb).
Terrence Shannon Jr. (SG): Out (Foot; extended absence due to abductor hallucis strain).
Rocco Zikarsky (C): GTD (Undisclosed).
These issues could strain Minnesota’s backcourt depth, especially if Edwards sits, forcing more reliance on bench guards.
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Dean Wade (PF): Out (Knee; expected out until at least January 10).
Donovan Mitchell (SG): Probable (Recently rested, but available).
No other major injuries reported as of the latest update, though the team submitted reports late; monitor for rest decisions post-January 8 loss.
Player Matchups to Watch
This rematch features explosive guards and versatile bigs, with the January 8 game highlighting perimeter duels where Minnesota outshot Cleveland 52% to 48%.
Anthony Edwards (Wolves SG) vs. Donovan Mitchell (Cavs SG): Edwards dropped 30+ points in the January 8 win and averages 28.5 PPG, testing Cleveland’s defense with his athleticism (0.72 goals/game projected).
Mitchell, fresh off rest, counters with 27.2 PPG and quickness, aiming to exploit Edwards’ potential foot issue in transition.
Julius Randle (Wolves PF) vs. Evan Mobley (Cavs PF): Randle dominated January 8 with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, using his physicality (11.4 RPG).
Mobley, a defensive anchor (9.8 RPG, 2.1 BPG), must contain Randle’s post play without Wade’s help.
Jaden McDaniels (Wolves SF) vs. Darius Garland (Cavs PG): McDaniels’ length disrupted Cleveland’s offense in the last meeting, holding opponents to low shooting.
Garland, with 8.2 APG, will probe for mismatches in pick-and-rolls.
Goaltending: Naz Reid (Wolves) vs. Jarrett Allen (Cavs) – Reid’s spacing vs. Allen’s rim protection could decide paint control.
Series History
The Cavaliers lead the all-time series 42-27 in 69 regular-season meetings.
In the last 10 games, Cleveland holds a 6-4 edge, but Minnesota snapped a two-game Cavaliers win streak with a 131-122 victory on January 8, 2026.
Prior wins for Cleveland include 128-107 on February 10, 2025, and 117-124 on January 19, 2025.
Games often feature high scoring, with the over hitting in 7 of the last 10.
Betting Trends
Timberwolves are 17-21 ATS overall but 8-10 on the road; they’ve covered in 4 of their last 5 as underdogs.
Cavaliers are 19-20 ATS, going 10-8 at home, but 2-3 ATS in their last 5.
The over has hit in 6 of Minnesota’s last 10 road games and 7 of Cleveland’s last 10 overall.
Game Odds
Minnesota Timberwolves 238.5
Cleveland Cavaliers – 3.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 9, 2026
