The Minnesota Timberwolves (0-1) welcome the Cleveland Cavaliers (0-1) to Target Center for their home opener. The game can be seen on Fox Sports – Ohio at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, October 19, 2018.
Minnesota opened as an 8-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 223.5 points.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves ATS Prediction
Although the Cavaliers were defeated by the Toronto Raptors in their last game, 116-104, they did cover as 12.5-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (220) came in over the O/U total of 215.5. Toronto’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Cleveland. The Raptors had a rate of 9.0, while the Cavaliers posted a mark of 13.5. Cedi Osman played well for Cleveland, finishing with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
In the Timberwolves’ last game, they lost to the San Antonio Spurs, 112-108. They failed to cover as 2.5-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (220) were over the O/U total of 212. San Antonio out-rebounded Minnesota. The Spurs had 19 offensive rebounds and 52 total rebounds, while the Timberwolves had 14 and 46, respectively. Minnesota’s Jimmy Butler contributed 23 points and seven rebounds in the contest.
The productive offense of Minnesota will face off against the porous defense of Cleveland. Since last season, the Timberwolves rank fourth in offensive efficiency, while the Cavaliers are 29th in defensive efficiency. The Timberwolves figure to have the edge on that end of the court.
Since last season, the Cavaliers have had records of 50-33 straight up (SU) and 46-50-5 against the spread (ATS). Cleveland games have had a tendency to finish over the O/U total since last season (60.4 percent).
The Timberwolves are 47-36 SU since last season, but have struggled covering the spread (37-46 ATS). Games including Minnesota have had a tendency to go over the projected point total over that same time frame (53.0 percent).
These two teams split two games last season. In the last game, the Cavaliers won 140-138. The Cavaliers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (18.4 vs. 10.5) and had a better free throw rate (0.170 vs. 0.118).
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Free Pick
NBA Tip: SU Winner – Cavaliers, ATS Winner – Cavaliers, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
In games where they allow less than 100 points, Cleveland is 22-6 and Minnesota is 19-4.
When scoring above 100 points, the Cavaliers are 58-22 and the Timberwolves are 45-26.
Cleveland ranks fifth in three pointers attempted per game (31.6) while Minnesota ranks last (22.4).
The Timberwolves rank seventh in steals per game (8.2) while the Cavaliers rank 27th (6.8).
Minnesota ranks fourth in points in the paint per game (49.2) while Cleveland ranks 21st (43.5).
The Cavaliers rank third in blocks allowed per game (4.2) while the Timberwolves rank 14th (4.7).
Cleveland ranks 14th in fast break points per game (11.9) while Minnesota ranks 25th (9.8).
The Timberwolves rank third in rebounds allowed per game (42.0) while the Cavaliers rank 14th (42.9).
Cleveland ranks 16th in second chance points allowed per game (12.6) while Minnesota ranks 26th (13.2).
The Timberwolves average 22.6 assists per game, which ranks 17th in the league. The Cavaliers rank 27th in assists allowed per game (25.1).
Minnesota ranks seventh in points off turnovers per game (17.0) while Cleveland ranks 14th in points off turnovers allowed per game (15.9).
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