Minnesota Timberwolves vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 22/03/2024, 06:30  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 22/03/2024 at 12:00 in NBA Prediction

The Minnesota Timberwolves will play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Target Center in the NBA on Friday night. The hosts are 43-26 and third in the Eastern Conference, while the visitors are 47-22 and third in the Western Conference. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been in a slump recently, losing four of their last six games. They will be hoping for a change in fortunes here after a narrow 107-104 defeat to the Heat. Jarrett Allen led the team impressively with 25 points, 20 rebounds, and three assists, while Darius Garland contributed 20 points and nine assists. Cleveland ranks 18th in the league for scoring offense, averaging 113.4 points per game, slightly lower than the Timberwolves' typical concession of 6.7 points. They tend to score slightly higher at home than on the road. Defensively, however, they excel, ranking fifth in the league by allowing only 109.4 points per game. The team is grappling with several injuries, including Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Max Strus, Dean Wade, and Ty Jerome.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been in decent form lately, securing victories in five of their last eight games. However, they'll be seeking a stronger performance in their upcoming match, having had their three-game win streak halted by the Nuggets in a close 115-112 loss. Anthony Edwards led the team with an impressive 30 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, while Jaden McDaniels contributed 26 points. Despite ranking 13th in scoring offense this season with an average of 113.4 points per game, which is 4.0 more than the Cavaliers typically concede, the Timberwolves' standout strength lies in their defense, ranking first in the league by allowing just 106.7 points per game. Notably, they allow 6.2 fewer points at home than on the road. However, the Timberwolves are contending with notable injuries to players such as Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns, Jaylen Clark, and Naz Reid.