NBA
2026-01-08 · Morning Edition
LOSS
Cavaliers vs. Timberwolves
Cavaliers +4.5
ANALYSIS
Cleveland leads the NBA in True Shooting (62.4%) and maintains an elite +12.3 Net Rating, outperforming a Minnesota offense that ranks just 18th in EPA. The Cavaliers have won four of their last five games and welcome back a rested Donovan Mitchell to join Darius Garland, who is coming off a 29-point performance in Tuesday's win over Indiana. Given Cleveland’s high-efficiency offense and their recent dominance in this head-to-head series, they are well-positioned to cover as road underdogs.
Key Data
True Shooting %: 62.4 (1st), Net Rating: +12.3, Wolves EPA/Possession: #18
OUTCOME
Cavaliers 122 - Timberwolves 131
Cleveland's defensive scheme held Anthony Edwards to 35% shooting. The Cavs' bench, led by Caris LeVert, provided 20 points that offset Minnesota's starting size advantage in the fourth quarter.