Is the Cavs’ downturn continuing?

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves face each other on 01/03/2022 starting at 01:00. The home side won the only duel of the season so far last December, but now they will be shorthanded.

Cleveland Cavaliers – Statistics & current form

The basketball players from Ohio are currently without Darius Garland. The point guard suffers from back problems and has to miss the game against the Timberwolves.

For the team of Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff the absence of this year’s All-Star is a considerable weakening and only one of the last four games could be won.

However, Evan Mobley is in good form and also has a good chance of winning the title of best rookie. The power forward was selected third in the last draft and this ranking is not too high in view of his great performances. The San Diego-born seven-footer is especially strong defensively.

He provided an example last December against the Bulls when he managed no less than five blocks. A number last seen in Cleveland more than 17 years ago and accomplished then by none other than LeBron James.

Minnesota Timberwolves – Statistics & current form

The Timberwolves were shown the limits of their game in the last game against the Sixers. Although head coach Chris Finch’s squad has been very strong this season, it still hasn’t been enough against heavyweights like the 76ers or the league leaders from Chicago.

Seventh in the West, Minnesota is at least on course for the Play-in Tournament, so their hopes for the postseason are still justified.

Cleveland Cavaliers – Minnesota Timberwolves Tip

For the showdown between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves, the prediction on an away win represents the first choice of the betting base. The hosts are weakened without the injured guard Darius Garland, especially as the hospital is already prominently filled with LeVert and Sexton.

Although rookie Evan Mobley, among others, presents himself as a strong player, as can be seen from the four double-doubles in points and rebounds in the nine games in February, this only changes the assessment of a currently weakened home team to a limited extent.

The visitors, for their part, will be without any personnel worries and will be looking to make a statement after their loss to Philadelphia.