Cleveland-cavaliers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Picks and Predictions February 10th 2025

Cavaliers Ready to Debut New Piece vs. Timberwolves

The Cleveland Cavaliers will introduce their newest addition when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night. With Cleveland sitting atop the Eastern Conference and Minnesota battling injuries in the West, both teams have something to prove.

How Will De’Andre Hunter Fit in Cleveland?

Cleveland (42-10) made a significant move at the trade deadline, acquiring De’Andre Hunter from Atlanta in exchange for Caris LeVert and Georges Niang. Hunter arrives averaging a career-high 19.0 points per game and shooting 39.3% from three-point range.

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“Even though the regular-season record is what it is, we’re thinking past April,” Cavaliers president Koby Altman said. “How do we win rounds of the playoffs? How do we ultimately set ourselves up for a championship?”

The Cavaliers already rank second in the NBA in both points per game (122.4) and shooting percentage (49.8%). With Donovan Mitchell (24.0 ppg) leading the way and Darius Garland hitting 43.4% from deep, the addition of Hunter could make Cleveland even more dangerous.

Can the Timberwolves Overcome Their Injury Woes?

Minnesota (36-16) has won eight of its last ten games but faces mounting injury concerns. Anthony Edwards (hip), Mike Conley (finger), and Julius Randle (adductor strain) have all missed time, while Donte DiVincenzo remains sidelined with a toe injury.

Despite the injuries, the Timberwolves found a way to rally past Portland on Saturday, outscoring the Trail Blazers 38-14 in the fourth quarter for a 114-98 win. Jaden McDaniels had a career-high 30 points, while Naz Reid added 23.

“Proud of the guys. One of my favorite wins of the year, no doubt about it,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said. “Even when we couldn’t score and things weren’t going our way, I loved the team’s spirit.”

Minnesota boasts the NBA’s fourth-ranked defense, allowing just 108.0 points per game. However, their offense has been inconsistent, ranking in the middle of the pack in shooting percentage (46.4%) while averaging 14.5 turnovers per game.

Can Cleveland Keep Rolling?

The Cavaliers have won six of their last seven games, including a 134-124 win over Washington on Friday. Cleveland also won the first meeting against Minnesota this season, securing a 124-117 victory on Jan. 18 behind 36 points from Mitchell.

“We went through some stuff and we’re all kind of tired,” Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said. “A lot of teams lose this game. We got a heck of a team.”

Will the Cavs Stay on Top, or Can the Wolves Overcome the Odds?

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Who Will Come Out on Top?

With Cleveland surging and Minnesota dealing with injuries, the Cavs have a prime opportunity to extend their dominance. Will Hunter make an immediate impact, or can the Timberwolves overcome their setbacks to pull off a road upset?