Cavaliers Look to Continue Strong Run in February
On Tuesday, Minnesota hosts NBA action when the Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Minnesota Timberwolves. The current line has Cleveland favored by 4.5 points with the over/under point total on 218.5.
Entering the game, Cleveland has an overall record of 37-16 straight up and 24-27-2 against the spread. On the road, the Cavaliers are 14-11 SU and 10-15 ATS. Minnesota on the season is 21-34 SU and 24-31 ATS. At home, the Timberwolves are 14-17 SU and 15-16 ATS.
Demands to upgrade their roster have quieted from the Cavaliers with the success of their play of late. Cleveland has won 7 of its past 9 games overall. Its biggest win during this recent run was at home over Minnesota 125-97 on February 1.
Kevin Love did not play in that game and will not play Tuesday. He suffered knee pain during Cleveland’s win on Saturday against Denver by 16 points and will be sidelined on Tuesday.
When Minnesota lost to Cleveland two weeks ago it went on to lost four straight, but since then has won two of its last three including a 117-89 rout of Chicago. Andrew Wiggins scored 27 points for the Timberwolves against Chicago.
Derrick Williams a recent signing by Cleveland will see more time with Love on the bench. In two games with the Cavaliers, Williams is averaging 9.5 points per game. Williams was picked No. 2 overall in the 2011 draft, but has played with 5 teams in his 6 NBA seasons.
Wiggins is the second leading scorer on Minnesota averaging 22.6 points per game. However, he has had to increase his offensive output since February 3 when Zach LaVine the third leading scorer was lost for the season with a torn ACL.
Minnesota’s leading scorer averaging 23.7 points per game is Karl-Anthony Thomas. He also leads the team in rebounding.
Minnesota guard Brandon Rush has averaged just 4.8 points in the five games he has started in place of the injured LaVine.
LeBron James is averaging 26.7 points and 11.1 assists per game in his 6 games played during February.
Cleveland is 5-1 ATS in its past 6 games played.
Minnesota is 3-7 ATS in its past 10 games against opponents from the Eastern Conference.
Prediction: Cleveland has played very well during February. Minnesota’s injury problems with LaVine out will hurt their offense. Lean here toward the Cavs less the points.
