PREVIEW: The Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET at Target Center , bringing two of the league's most dynamic offensive teams into direct collision. Donovan Mitchell, averaging 29.8 points per game and ranked fourth in the NBA, will lead Cleveland's charge against Anthony Edwards, who sits seventh league-wide with 29.3 points nightly. The Cavaliers rank third in rim efficiency and possess the fourth-best three-point volume at 46.3% of their attempts from deep , establishing them as a versatile scoring threat. However, Cleveland's defense struggles considerably against perimeter shooting, ranking 27th and allowing high-quality three-point opportunities , a potential vulnerability Minnesota will seek to exploit. Minnesota has limited three-point attempts allowed on defense at 38.7% and ranks fifth in that category, while also sitting seventh in rim efficiency , creating a more balanced interior and perimeter approach. The Timberwolves enter this matchup riding a three-game winning streak and have scored 122 or more points in each of their last three contests , demonstrating offensive firepower heading into the clash. In their most recent meeting, Cleveland prevailed 124-117, though Minnesota has managed four wins in their last seven head-to-head matchups. The Cavaliers have struggled on the road against winning teams, dropping four of their last five such contests , setting the stage for an intriguing battle between conference rivals.