THE Minnesota Timberwolves (44-19) will face the Cleveland Cavaliers (40-22) Friday in a clash between two of the best teams in their respective conferences. The Timberwolves are in their second night of a back-to-back set after beating the Pacers Thursday, while the Cavaliers lost to the Falcons the last time. This is the first meeting between these teams this season.
Karl-Anthony Towns remains out for Minnesota. We’ll see if the Timberwolves rest anyone on the second night of a back-to-back set. The Cavaliers are still without Donovan Mitchell and Max Strus, but now also have to deal with a long-term injury to Evan Mobley.
Despite the personnel losses, the Cavaliers are favorites with 1 point according to DraftKings Sports Betting with the total set at 207.5. Cleveland is -115 on the moneyline while Minnesota is -105.
Timberwolves vs. Cavaliers, 7:30 p.m. ET
Choose ATS: Timber wolves +1
Minnesota is 4-5 ATS on the second night of a back-to-back set and 5-7-1 ATS with a disadvantage at rest. The Timberwolves are 9-5 ATS as underdogs and are coming off a decisive victory on Thursday. The Cavaliers have only covered twice in the last 11 games, but both of those games have come in the last four games.
Cleveland is missing too many players, in my opinion, to pose a real challenge to Minnesota. Even though the Timberwolves may be a little tired after tough competition, I like them to win as underdogs.
More less : Less than 207.5
The Timberwolves have a slight downward bias, while the Cavaliers are heavier underneath. Minnesota is 3-5 over in the last eight games, but 18-14 over as a road team. The Cavs have fallen under their total in the last five games. I think the under is the call here, with Minnesota battling some fatigue on the second night of a back-to-back and Cleveland losing some firepower offensively.
