When it comes to genuine playoff impact, the Cleveland Cavaliers may have made the biggest move of the NBA trade deadline when they acquired De’Andre Hunter from the Hawks. He is expected to make his debut tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves, though that alone cannot explain this lofty spread of nearly double digits.
My Timberwolves vs. Cavaliers predictions and NBA picks think the road underdogs keep this game at least a bit closer than bookmakers expect, with tip coming at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, February 10.
Timberwolves vs Cavaliers prediction
My best bet
Timberwolves +9.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
This spread feels too hefty. If the line closes north of +8, this will be the largest spread against the Minnesota Timberwolves all season, even more than a trip to Boston (+8 on Nov. 24) or Oklahoma City (+6.5 on Dec. 31).
Do the Cleveland Cavaliers demand that much respect?
On one hand, yes. The Cavs are 42-10 and have an average point differential of +10.3, both trailing only the Thunder. Cleveland is 24-4 outright at home and 19-9 against the spread. Give them that respect.
But on the other hand, the Cavs are just 7-7 ATS at home in the last two months, and 4-3 outright in the last month.
A stronger point is to look at recent common opponents. Cleveland was a 17.5-point favorite at Washington on Friday, while Minnesota was an 11.5-point favorite at home against Washington on Feb. 1, though without Anthony Edwards.
First, adjust for the homecourts, and that six-point edge can be better seen as an 8.5-point edge. But what is Edwards worth to the spread?
Curious you should ask. Based on some line movement on Saturday against the Blazers, Edwards is worth 2.5 points to a spread. Suddenly, favoring the Cavs by six points would make sense.
Even if Edwards is out again tonight — questionable with hip soreness — +9.5 is a point too high by this logic. Not to mention, Edwards has not missed consecutive games in more than a year, a young player still with the mentality that he should play every night.
Look back an additional week this season and Minnesota was a 10.5-point home favorite against the Hawks on Jan. 27, though they were without Trae Young. Days later, Cleveland was an 11.5-point home favorite against Atlanta, then with Trae Young.
Those numbers suggest either tonight’s number is far too large or Young is worth 8.5 points to the spread. Note: No one in the NBA is worth 8.5 points to a spread.
If Edwards plays tonight, this spread is far too high. If he doesn’t, it is still a point or two too hefty.
Timberwolves vs Cavaliers same-game parlay
Timberwolves +9.5
Jaden McDaniels Over 6.5 rebounds
Anthony Edwards Over 5.5 rebounds
This is an atypical same-game parlay from yours truly. The hurdle is in figuring out how De’Andre Hunter’s arrival impacts Cleveland’s offense. Who gives up a few shots? Instinct says Darius Garland, but the reality is tonight could just be disjointed.
At some point, Hunter will probably press to make his arrival felt, which will be a momentary boon for the Cavs. However, overall, tonight may be a bit of a sloppy game.
Not wildly sloppy, just more so than usual.
That sloppiness should show up in a few more missed shots. At that point, let’s side with two rebounding guards. Both Jaden McDaniels and Anthony Edwards are bigger than their Cleveland counterparts.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Timberwolves vs Cavaliers odds
Timberwolves vs Cavaliers live odds
Timberwolves vs Cavaliers opening odds
- Spread: Minnesota +7.5 | Cleveland -7.5
- Moneyline: Minnesota +270 | Cleveland -340
- Over/Under: Over 227.5 | Under 227.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Timberwolves vs Cavaliers spread and Over/Under analysis
- This spread opened on Sunday evening with Cleveland favored by 7.5 points. It climbed to -8 during the Super Bowl and then to -9.5 by Monday morning.
- Logic says the spread movement doubts Edwards' playing tonight, but that would be so counter to his entire career that some skepticism is permitted.
- This total opened at 227.5 and climbed overnight to 229.5 and then to 230.5 during the morning.
- If reading into the spread regarding Edwards’s availability, then reading into the total suggests he will play.
Timberwolves vs Cavaliers trend
Minnesota has gone 3-0 ATS in its last three games, while Cleveland has gone 0-3 ATS in its last three. Find more NBA betting trends for Timberwolves vs. Cavaliers.
How to watch Timberwolves vs Cavaliers
| Location | Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH |
| Date | Monday, 2-10-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FanDuel Sports Network - North, FanDuel Sports Network - Ohio |
Timberwolves vs Cavaliers latest injuries
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