Cleveland Cavaliers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Picks and Prediction for Thursday January 8 2026

By: Eddie Kline Updated 01/21/2026, 02:39 PM ET

Cavaliers Preview

The Target Center will play host to a Thursday night NBA clash between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Minnesota Timberwolves. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Cavaliers (21-17) have split their first 16 road games and are tied with Philadelphia for fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings. On Tuesday, Cleveland outscored Indiana by 13 points over the final 12 minutes to earn a 120-116 road victory.

All-Star G Darius Garland led all scorers with 29 points on 14-for-23 shooting and dishes out six assists. All-Star F/C Evan Mobley contributed 20 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Jarrett Allen and Sam Merrill added 19 points each for the Cavaliers, who shot a sizzling 56 percent from the field.

Timberwolves Preview

The Minnesota Timberwolves are on a modest three-game winning streak and are a half-game out of third place in the Western Conference standings. The Timberwolves (24-13) rank fourth in the league in defensive efficiency and are allowing 114.1 points per contest. On Tuesday, Minnesota outscored Miami by 21 points during the second half of a 122-94 home victory.

All-Star G Anthony Edwards tallied a game-high 26 points (8-18 FG), five rebounds, and two blocks. Minnesota F Jaden McDaniels scored 19 points on 7-for-15 shooting and finished with a plus 18 rating. Julius Randle added 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who improved to 13-6 at home.

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Cavaliers vs Timberwolves Pick

Cleveland F Dean Wade (knee) has been ruled out and F Jaylon Tyson (illness) is listed as probable for this contest. The Timberwolves are the better defensive team and have more options on the offensive end of the floor. Take Minnesota to win and cover at home. Final Score Prediction, Minnesota Timberwolves win 124-114.

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