Timberwolves vs. Cavaliers: Odds, injuries, and what to watch for

The Minnesota Timberwolves look to build a modest winning streak as they host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night at Target Center.

The Minnesota Timberwolves snapped an 11-game losing streak with a double-overtime victory in Sacramento on Thursday night.

Now, they’ll have a real opportunity to build a modest, two-game winning streak with a win over the 9-22 Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday at Target Center.

The Wolves just completed a four-game road trip and haven’t played at home since the debacle that was a 107-99 loss to the lowly New Orleans Pelicans nine days ago. There will likely be a decent crowd at Target Center for one of two home games between Christmas and New Year’s Day, and with or without Karl-Anthony Towns, it’s a game that the Timberwolves should be able to win.

Towns has missed the past five games due to a sprained left knee and remains questionable for the game. The Cavs are led by former Timberwolf Kevin Love, who is the lone remaining quality scoring option for Cleveland following the trade of sixth-man Jordan Clarkson to Utah earlier this week.

Editor’s Note: Mere moments after this preview was published, it was reported that Love will not play. Expect the line to shift significantly…

Timberwolves odds against the Cavaliers

• Favorite: Timberwolves (-6.5)
• Over/under: 222
• Moneyline: -280 Minnesota/+230 Cleveland
• Odds courtesy of The Action Network. Displayed odds current as of Saturday at 12:30 p.m.

Tickets, TV and streaming info for Timberwolves vs. Cavs

• Television: Fox Sports North
• Radio: 830 WCCO
• Stream: Fubo.tv offers streaming options
• Tickets: StubHub offers ticketing options

What to watch for in Wolves vs. Cavaliers

The Cavaliers are coming off of a 3-0 homestand, but that blip of positivity was followed by the trade of Jordan Clarkson to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Dante Exum.

Then, the Cavs lost at Boston on Friday night and will be on the second half of a back-to-back at Target Center on Saturday. Outside of Love, the Cavaliers’ offense relies on high-volume scoring from the likes of Cedi Osman, second-year guard Collin Sexton and rookie Darius Garland.

Love only attempts 6.3 3-pointers per game but is knocking them down at a 38.5 percent clip from beyond the arc. Tristan Thompson leads the Cavs in minutes per game and contributes 12.8 points and 9.9 rebounds per contest. (Editor’s Note: Love will not play due to a hip contusion.)

Rookie Kevin Porter, Jr. is becoming a bigger part of the bench unit alongside veteran Matthew Dellavedova, but it’s a unit that even the Wolves’ reserves should be able to outplay.

If Minnesota can get out in transition and force the trio of Sexton, Garland, and Osman into tough shots, they should be just find in this game — with or without Towns.

Injury Report

Towns is listed as questionable for the fifth consecutive game with a knee injury. Don’t be surprised if he sits out again on Saturday and plans to play on Monday night against the Brooklyn Nets. Jake Layman (sprained toe) remains out.

The Cavaliers are healthy, outside of rookie Dylan Windler, who has yet to appear in a game this season.

We’ll be back after the game with reaction. Here’s to two in a row!