The Minnesota Timberwolves (3-0) take on the Cleveland Cavaliers (1-1) Monday at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Let's analyze NBA odds around the Timberwolves vs. Cavaliers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
2025-26 season series: Tied 1-1 with each winning at home
The Timberwolves (-3.5) cruised to a 117-94 (Under 228.5) victory Sunday over the visiting Toronto Raptors, who were playing without F Kawhi Leonard due to swelling in his left knee. Minnesota G Anthony Edwards led the way with 26 points, while G LaMelo Ball was 4 of 5 from 3-point range en route to 15 points. F Jaden McDaniels also had a strong game for the T-wolves with 14 points, 6 boards and 3 blocks.
G Donovan
Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 22 points as Cleveland held off the Brooklyn Nets (+10.5) 125-121 (Over 228.5) to win their home opener Saturday. After blowing a 29-point lead in their season-opening loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Cavs frittered away a 17-point lead over the final 4 minutes as the Nets pulled within 2 with 8.1 seconds left. Cavaliers C Jarrett Allen pitched in with 21 points, while C Evan Mobley added 20 points and 10 rebounds.
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Timberwolves at Cavaliers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:01 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Timberwolves +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Cavaliers -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Timberwolves +4.5 (-110) | Cavaliers -4.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 233.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Timberwolves at Cavaliers key injuries
Timberwolves
- G Donte DiVencenzo (achilles) out
Cavaliers
- C Khalifa Diop (knee) out
- PF Nae'Qwan Tomlin (back) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Timberwolves at Cavaliers picks and predictions
Prediction
Cavaliers 117, Timberwolves 114
Moneyline
PASS.
I'll pass on picking either team on the moneyline. With the way they've started the season, there's no doubt the T-wolves could win this game straight up, but they are going on the road on the second night of a back-to-back. Last season, Minnesota was 8-6 in the second game of back-to-backs.
Against the spread
BET TIMBERWOLVES +4.5
While the Cavs have struggled to maintain big leads in their first 2 games, the T-wolves have had no such issues, winning each of their first 3 games by 20+ points. Until they crack, I'll ride the wave and take the points.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 233.5 (-110).
The T-wolves defense has been on point through their first 3 games, allowing an average of 97.7 points per game (PPG). Only the Oklahoma City Thunder (96.3) has been better. While I don't think they'll lock down the Cavs in that manner, this should be on the lower end of scoring expectations.
Best prop bet
Bet Cavaliers G DONOVAN MITCHELL OVER 25.5 POINTS (+105).
It's early, of course, but Mitchell is averaging 27 PPG through the Cavs' first two games. He's scored at least 28 points in 6 of the past 8 matchups vs. the Timberwolves.
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Minnesota Timberwolves at Cleveland Cavaliers odds, picks and predictions
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