The Cleveland Cavaliers come to the Twin Cities this Saturday for an intriguing showdown against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Both teams are considered chief contenders in their respective conferences but are also dealing with key injuries to their rosters. Will the Cavs get the W? Or, will the Timberwolves prevent a two-game skid?

Catch this game live on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 8 AM, Manila time

Away: Cleveland Cavaliers (43-26/21-12Away)

Projected Starting Five:

• Darius Garland
• Caris LeVert
• Isaac Okoro
• Georges Niang
• Jarrett Allen

Consistency has been a major problem for the Cavaliers over their last several games, and that can be blamed on their health.  Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley have missed games and are both listed out for Saturday’s meeting with Minnesota. Also out are Dean Wade and Max Strus. Those guys could have helped the Cavs in their last game, which was a 107-104 home loss to the Miami Heat on Thursday. 

But despite a banged-up roster, the Cavaliers managed to put up a gallant stand versus the Heat, with Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland anchoring the attack, as they scored 20 and 25 points, respectively. The same duo led the Cavs to a 113-104 home win over Minnesota on Mar. 9 when Cleveland also did not have Mitchell and Evan Mobley. Garland and Allen combined for 67 points in that victory. Cleveland is 6-4 against the spread in its last 10 games as the road team versus the Timberwolves, dating back to 2013. 

Home: Minnesota Timberwolves (47-22/23-9 Home)

Projected Starting Five:

• Mike Conley
• Anthony Edwards (Questionable)
• Jaden McDaniels
• Kyle Anderson
• Rudy Gobert (Questionable)

Just like the Cavs, the Timberwolves are also nursing key injuries and could be without some of their big hitters for this rematch versus Cleveland. Rudy Gobert and Anthony Edwards are both listed as questionable against the Cavs as well as Naz Reid. Minnesota’s frontcourt is looking slim at the moment. If Gobert or Reid ultimately gets ruled out, former National College Player of the Year winner Luka Garza should get significant minutes again. 

The Iowa Hawkeyes legend had 11 points and six rebounds coming off the bench in last Wednesday’s 115-112 home loss to the Denver Nuggets. The Timberwolves elected to go small in that contest, with no legitimate center on the starting unit but nearly took down the reigning champs on the strength of Edwards’ explosive 30-point performance and a 26-point night from Jaden McDaniels. The Timberwolves are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games against Cleveland.

PREDICTIONS:

Spread: The Cavs (+6) look good to cover the spread.

Over/Under: The total (210) looks good to hit the Under.