What To Expect In First Timberwolves-Cavaliers Matchup
Two nights ago, the Cleveland Cavaliers could not complete a 21-point comeback in a 112-101 defeat to the Atlanta Hawks.
Tonight, the Wine and Gold will begin a three-game homestand when they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Here are four things to expect in the first of two matchups between these two teams this regular season.
1. An All-Star Out for Each Team
According to the NBA’s 6:30 p.m. ET Injury Report, Cleveland will be without All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell due to a bone bruise in his left knee for the team's fifth straight game.
Minnesota will be without All-Star big man Karl-Anthony Towns, who suffered a torn left meniscus earlier this week.
2. A Class of 2020 Battle
Cleveland’s Isaac Okoro will have a very tough defensive assignment tonight in having to guard the Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards.
The Minnesota swingman is averaging 26.4 points per game this season, which ranks 12th in the NBA, and tied his season-high of 44 points last night in a win over the Indiana Pacers.
Both players were top-five picks in the 2020 NBA Draft, as Okoro was selected fifth overall, and Edwards was selected first overall.
Nov 13, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (1) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro (35) and forward Cedi Osman (16) during the first half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
3. Strong Defense on Both Sides
In terms of fewest points allowed per game, the Timberwolves and Cavaliers are the top two defenses in the NBA.
Entering tonight’s contest, Minnesota is allowing 106.5 points per game, while the Wine and Gold are allowing 109.5 points per contest.
4. Merrill Making More Threes
Over Cleveland's last two games, Sam Merrill has shot a combined 2-for-15 (13.3%) from three-point range, including 0-for-9 two nights ago.
The sharpshooter is shooting a team-best 42.1% from beyond the arc this season.
