Minnesota (30-23) at Cleveland (42-10)
- When: Feb 10 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH, USA
- TV: FDSOH
Game Preview
Cleveland is favored by 10.0 and the total is set at 229.5 as the Cavaliers welcome the Minnesota Timberwolves for a Monday night showdown. With both teams dealing with lineup adjustments and injuries, this game presents an interesting betting opportunity.
Cleveland Cavaliers Outlook
The Cavaliers made a notable move at the trade deadline, acquiring De’Andre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Caris LeVert and Georges Niang. While the blockbuster Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade stole the headlines, Cleveland quietly added a scoring wing who is averaging a career-high 19.0 points per game while shooting 39.3% from deep. Hunter is expected to make his Cavs debut in this matchup.
Cleveland leads the Eastern Conference with a 42-10 record and holds a 5.5-game advantage over the second-place Boston Celtics. The Cavs are built for deep playoff contention, ranking second in the NBA in scoring at 122.4 points per game while shooting an efficient 49.8% from the field. Donovan Mitchell remains the primary offensive force, averaging 24.0 points per contest, while Darius Garland has been deadly from beyond the arc, shooting 43.4% from three.
Cleveland has won six of its last seven games, including a 134-124 victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday behind 33 points from Mitchell. They also already hold a win over Minnesota this season, beating the Wolves 124-117 on Jan. 18.
Minnesota Timberwolves Outlook
While the Timberwolves have won eight of their last ten games, injuries are beginning to pile up. Anthony Edwards sat out Saturday’s 114-98 win over Portland due to a sore hip, Mike Conley remains out with a finger sprain, and Julius Randle is expected to miss at least another week with an adductor strain. Sixth-man Donte DiVincenzo is also sidelined with a toe injury.
Minnesota still managed to pull off an impressive fourth-quarter comeback against the Trail Blazers, outscoring them 38-14 in the final frame. Jaden McDaniels stepped up in a big way, posting a career-high 30 points, while Naz Reid contributed 23.
Defensively, the Timberwolves have been one of the best teams in the league, ranking fourth in points allowed per game (108.0). However, their offensive inconsistency is a concern. They rank middle-of-the-pack in shooting at 46.4% and struggle with turnovers, committing 14.5 per game.
Betting Prediction
Cleveland has been dominant at home and is 6-1 in its last seven games. The addition of Hunter only strengthens a team that is already an offensive powerhouse. Meanwhile, Minnesota is dealing with too many key injuries, which could make it difficult to keep pace with the high-scoring Cavs.
With Cleveland’s offensive efficiency and Minnesota’s injury concerns, the Cavs should control this game. Look for Cleveland to cover the spread and for the total to trend toward the over, given the Cavs’ high-scoring tendencies and the Wolves’ defensive lapses without their key players.
Spread Pick: Cleveland -10
Over/Under: Over 229.5
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
