Minnesota Timberwolves vs Cleveland Cavaliers (Image via Getty) The Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 8, 2026, at Target Center. Cleveland comes in at 21-17, sixth in the Eastern Conference. Minnesota is 24-13 and sixth in the West.This is the first meeting between the teams this season. Minnesota has played well at home, while Cleveland has stayed competitive despite missing several rotation players. The matchup puts Anthony Edwards’ scoring against a Cavaliers team that spreads offense across multiple options.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Report (January 8, 2026)
Cleveland Cavaliers remain short on depth. Max Strus is out following left foot surgery for a Jones fracture. Dean Wade will miss the game with a left knee contusion, and Larry Nance Jr. is sidelined due to a calf injury. Jaylon Tyson is listed as probable despite illness and has been productive off the bench, shooting 43.9 percent from three-point range.Minnesota Timberwolves’ injury list is lighter. Terrence Shannon Jr. is out with a left foot strain. G-League assignees, including Freeman Zarsky, are unavailable. The Timberwolves will have their main contributors available, led by Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Game Time and Location (January 8, 2026)
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET in Minneapolis. Both teams protect the paint well, which could keep scoring in check. Cleveland will try to push pace when possible, while Minnesota is likely to lean on its defense and half-court execution.
Where to Watch Tonight’s Cavaliers vs Timberwolves Game (Jan 8)
The game airs locally on FanDuel Sports Network North in Minnesota and FanDuel Sports Network Ohio in Cleveland. Streaming options include the FanDuel Sports Network App, the ESPN app for out-of-market viewers, and NBA League Pass.
Cavaliers vs Timberwolves Team Comparison
Minnesota has been more consistent defensively, while Cleveland continues to rank among the league’s higher-scoring teams.CategoryCavaliers (21-17, 6th East)Timberwolves (24-13, 6th West) PPG 121.4 118.9 OPP PPG 118.1 114.6 FG% 49.3% 47.8% 3P% N/A 36.6% REB/G 46.0 44.1 Recent Form 6-4 L4 3-game win streak, 131 PPG L4Cleveland is led by Donovan Mitchell, who is averaging 29.8 points and 5.4 assists per game. Minnesota’s top producers include Edwards at 29.3 points per game, Randle at 22, and Gobert with 11.2 rebounds.
Head-to-Head and Outlook
Cleveland holds a 42-27 all-time regular-season edge and won both meetings in 2025. Minnesota’s home record adds balance to the matchup. With Cleveland dealing with injuries, bench minutes could matter, while Minnesota will likely rely on Edwards to carry the offense.