The Target Center in Minneapolis was buzzing with anticipation on January 8, 2026, as the Minnesota Timberwolves welcomed the Cleveland Cavaliers for a high-stakes NBA showdown. Both teams entered the contest with impressive records — the Timberwolves at 24-13, holding steady at fifth in the Western Conference, and the Cavaliers at 21-17, sitting seventh in the East. The matchup was set for an 8 p.m. ET tipoff, broadcast live on FDSN and available for streaming on Fubo, ensuring fans across the country could tune in to the action.
Pre-game storylines swirled around the availability of star Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, who was initially downgraded to questionable due to injury management. However, in a welcome development for Minnesota fans, Edwards was later listed as available, ready to suit up and defend his home court. On the Cavaliers’ side, the injury report was lengthy: Jaylon Tyson was probable with an illness, Dean Wade was out with a knee issue, Larry Nance Jr. was questionable due to a calf injury, Darius Garland was questionable with a hand injury, and Max Strus was ruled out with a foot problem.
Despite the injury concerns, both teams brought plenty of firepower. Donovan Mitchell, the Cavaliers’ dynamic guard, has been on a tear this season, averaging a career-high 29.8 points per game — the fourth-highest mark in the NBA. Mitchell’s shooting splits have been nothing short of elite: 50% from the field, 39% from beyond the arc, and 84% from the free-throw line. He’d scored 30 or more points in three consecutive games leading up to this contest, including his 20th 30-point outing of the season against the Detroit Pistons on January 5.
For the Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards has been the offensive engine, averaging 29.3 points per game. Even with his status in question, Minnesota’s offense has thrived, putting up 119.6 points per game — just 2.8 more than the Cavaliers allow (116.8). The Cavaliers, meanwhile, have shown their own offensive prowess, averaging 119.2 points per game, a full 5.1 more than the Timberwolves typically surrender (114.1).
Betting lines reflected the close nature of the matchup. Minnesota entered as a slight 2.5-point home favorite, with the over/under set at a lofty 237.5 points. Moneyline odds favored the Timberwolves at -142, while the Cavaliers were listed as +120 underdogs, tempting bettors looking for an upset. Some analysts, including those at DraftKings Sportsbook, suggested a same-game parlay: Cavaliers +2.5 and Evan Mobley under 18.5 points, with a +258 payout. Mobley, since his return from injury, had failed to exceed 18.5 points in six of his last seven games, with projections pegging him at 16.8 points for the night.
Julius Randle, another key piece for the Timberwolves, has been quietly effective, averaging 22.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game when Edwards is on the floor. In games without Edwards, Randle’s numbers have climbed to 25.4 points and 7.7 rebounds, showing his ability to step up when called upon. But with Edwards available, Minnesota’s offensive balance looked as formidable as ever.
One area of concern for the Cavaliers has been their perimeter defense. Cleveland currently ranks 12th in defensive rating, but they’ve allowed opponents to shoot a scorching 37.8% from three-point range — tied for the highest mark in the league. That vulnerability could spell trouble against Minnesota’s Donte DiVincenzo, who’s been a reliable sharpshooter all season. DiVincenzo has averaged 2.9 made threes per game and is coming off a performance in which he went 4-for-9 from deep against the Miami Heat, a team known for its stingy perimeter defense.
“Mitchell has been phenomenal, but we know we have to keep an eye on their shooters, especially DiVincenzo,” said a Cavaliers assistant coach before the game, according to ESPN. “Our perimeter coverage has to tighten up if we want to leave Minneapolis with a win.”
On the other side, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch praised his team’s resilience despite injury setbacks. “We’ve had to mix up our rotations quite a bit, but the guys have responded well. Anthony’s availability gives us a big boost, and Randle’s been a rock for us all year,” Finch said in his pregame remarks.
The Cavaliers, meanwhile, have been riding a wave of momentum, winning four of their last five games coming into the matchup, their only recent loss a narrow four-point defeat to the Pistons. Head coach Kenny Atkinson credited the team’s improved health and chemistry. “We’re starting to get our rhythm back. The guys are understanding their roles, and Donovan’s leadership has been huge,” Atkinson told reporters on Wednesday.
Fan excitement was palpable both in the arena and online. With so much offensive talent on display and both teams jockeying for playoff position, this inter-conference clash felt like a potential playoff preview. The Timberwolves’ home-court advantage and recent form made them slight favorites, but the Cavaliers’ recent surge and Mitchell’s scoring prowess kept the contest wide open.
As the game tipped off, all eyes were on the opening minutes to see how the injury question marks would impact rotations and matchups. Would Edwards’ return spark another explosive night for Minnesota, or would Cleveland’s balanced attack and improved defense steal the show on the road?
With the action underway, the first quarter set a blistering pace, both teams trading baskets and pushing the tempo. Mitchell attacked the rim with his trademark aggression, while Edwards and Randle worked the two-man game for Minnesota. DiVincenzo wasted no time finding his stroke from deep, exploiting Cleveland’s perimeter defense as predicted.
As halftime approached, the game remained tight, with neither side able to pull away. Both benches contributed valuable minutes, especially with key players managing injuries. The Timberwolves’ crowd roared with every Edwards highlight, while Cavaliers fans watching from home held their breath each time Mitchell lined up a three-pointer.
With so much on the line, every possession felt magnified. The outcome hung in the balance as the game moved into the second half, with both squads determined to make a statement in this marquee January matchup.
As the clock ticked down, it was clear that this contest was living up to the hype. With both teams fighting for every rebound and diving for loose balls, the energy in Target Center was electric. The final result remained undecided as play continued, but one thing was certain: fans were treated to a showcase of NBA talent and intensity, with playoff implications looming large for both the Timberwolves and the Cavaliers.
Stay tuned as this thrilling showdown unfolds — with so much talent on display, anything could happen before the final buzzer sounds.