The Cleveland Cavaliers have not started the season well, allowing Philadelphia to come back from 29 points down and struggling to beat the Brooklyn Nets. Minnesota, on the other hand, look revitalised by the new style of play introduced following LaMelo Ball’s arrival and have started the season 3-0.
Cavaliers vs Timberwolves date and time
Date: Monday, 26 October 2026
Time: The Cavaliers vs Timberwolves game tips off at 11:00pm GMT in the UK.
| Location | Tip-off time |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom (GMT) | 11:00pm, 26 October |
| US Eastern Time (ET) | 7:00pm, 26 October |
| US Central Time (CT) | 6:00pm, 26 October |
| Central Europe (CET) | 12:00am, 27 October |
Venue: Rocket Arena, Cleveland (Ohio)
Cavaliers vs Timberwolves starting lineups
Neither team is expected to be missing any of its regular starters.
| CAVALIERS | TIMBERWOLVES |
|---|---|
| James Harden | LaMelo Ball |
| Donovan Mitchell | Anthony Edwards |
| Peyton Watson | Jonathan Kuminga |
| Evan Mobley | Jaden McDaniels |
| Jarrett Allen | Rudy Gobert |
Cavaliers vs Timberwolves: best bet
Based on current form, Minnesota should be the favourites, but these are two strong teams capable of going toe-to-toe. Cleveland’s bench strength and lighter workload early in the season could give them the edge.
Cavaliers latest news: absences and form
- Absences: Nae’Qwan Tomlin
Cleveland have started the campaign showing the same weaknesses that troubled them last season. Above all, they have struggled to control the boards and have committed too many turnovers against physical defences. James Harden has started the season slowly, raising questions about how much longer he can shoulder the playmaking responsibilities of an elite team.
Fortunately, the Cavaliers have plenty of quality on the bench, with Jaylon Tyson and Mario Hezonja both capable of making an impact at either end of the court.
Player to watch: Evan Mobley
Evan Mobley has made a very good start to the season, although inconsistency between games remains a weakness. Tonight, he will need to make the most of Minnesota’s lack of size in the paint beyond Rudy Gobert and Joan Beringer, who is beginning to show his potential.
Timberwolves latest news: absences and form
- Absences: Donte DiVincenzo
The Minnesota Timberwolves are full of confidence at the start of the season. They have built up a combined point differential of +70 over three games. Tonight, they face their first back-to-back of the campaign after a comfortable win over Toronto.
The Ball-Edwards partnership looks as though they have been playing together for years. Edwards has even described Ball as his best friend, despite the short time they have spent as team-mates.
Elsewhere, Jaden McDaniels continues to develop into one of the league’s best 3-and-D players, the bench is contributing more than expected under the leadership of Ayo Dosunmu, and Rudy Gobert remains a reliable defensive presence.
Perhaps the only issue left to resolve is how to fully integrate Jonathan Kuminga, who still looks somewhat lost at both ends of the court.
Player to watch: Anthony Edwards
With Ball and Edwards attacking from the perimeter, the Cavaliers could be in for a difficult night. Peyton Watson will have plenty of defensive work to do, particularly as he tends to be more effective when providing help defence. Both guards can wear down Harden with their intensity and physicality, particularly Edwards, who can finally pick his moments without having to carry the burden of running Minnesota’s offence.
Cavaliers vs Timberwolves: head-to-head record
The teams split their two meetings last season, with both games played within three days in January. Both sides have changed considerably since then, adding a ball-dominant point guard alongside their star scorer. That should make tonight’s encounter a very different contest.
Cleveland lead the all-time regular-season series 43-28.
Predictions for Cavaliers vs Timberwolves
Under 232.5 total points. Although Cleveland are an attack-minded team, they struggle against physical defences like Minnesota’s. The Timberwolves have held their opponents to fewer than 100 points in two of their first three games.
Donovan Mitchell under 4.5 assists. Mitchell has spent less time handling the ball early in the campaign, and Minnesota tend to avoid committing additional defenders to double-teams.
Minnesota to win the rebounding battle. So far, the Timberwolves have been the best team in the league at securing defensive rebounds and rank second in offensive rebounding.
Where to watch Cavaliers vs Timberwolves
The game between Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves can be watched in the UK through a subscription to NBA League Pass.