Cavaliers Edge Timberwolves in Overtime Thriller
Monday, October 26, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Rocket Arena
Cleveland Cavaliers 127, Minnesota Timberwolves 125, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Minnesota Timberwolves vs Cleveland Cavaliers?
Cleveland Cavaliers beat Minnesota Timberwolves 127-125 at Rocket Arena on October 26, 2026.
Who was favored in Minnesota Timberwolves vs Cleveland Cavaliers?
Cleveland Cavaliers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -155 (about 61% implied). The favorite won.
The Cleveland Cavaliers triumphed over the Minnesota Timberwolves in a thrilling overtime contest, finishing with a score of 127-125 at Rocket Arena. This matchup was particularly notable as it marked the first of the season between these two teams, with Cleveland now leading the series 1-0. The game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with the Cavaliers improving their home record to 3-1, while the Timberwolves fell to 3-2 on the road.
In terms of recent form, the Cavaliers entered the game with a record of 2-1, having won their last home game against the Brooklyn Nets 125-121 on October 24. Their overall performance in the last ten games stands at 7-3, with an average of 119.7 points scored and 117.7 points allowed. The Timberwolves, on the other hand, were riding a five-game winning streak, boasting a 3-1 record on the road. They had recently secured a convincing victory against the Toronto Raptors, winning 117-94 on October 25. Over their last ten games, Minnesota's record is 6-4, with an average of 119.4 points scored and 113.7 points allowed.
The Cavaliers have demonstrated strong performance at home, holding a perfect record of 4-0 in their last four home games. In contrast, the Timberwolves have shown resilience on the road, managing a 4-3 record away from home. This game highlighted the contrasting styles of both teams, with Cleveland's ability to score efficiently at home against Minnesota's recent success on the road.
Historically, the teams have faced each other twice this season, with each team winning once. Cleveland's previous victory was a high-scoring affair on January 10, where they won 146-134, while they lost to Minnesota 122-131 just a day prior. This ongoing rivalry added an extra layer of intensity to the matchup.
In terms of injuries, the Timberwolves were without Donte DiVincenzo, who was ruled out due to an Achilles injury. His absence was felt in the Timberwolves' lineup, as they relied heavily on their star players to carry the load.
From a betting perspective, DraftKings listed the Cavaliers as 3.5-point favorites, with a total set at 234.5 points. The odds reflected the competitive nature of the game, with Cleveland's moneyline at -155 and Minnesota's at +130. This suggested a close contest, which ultimately played out as expected.
The game conditions were conducive for a high-paced contest, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities. The Cavaliers were particularly effective in the overtime period, with Donovan Mitchell and James Harden making crucial plays to keep their team in contention. Mitchell's fadeaway jump shot and Harden's free throws were pivotal moments that kept the score tight.
Viewers were treated to an exciting finish, with Anthony Edwards hitting a critical three-pointer in overtime that briefly put the Timberwolves ahead. However, the Cavaliers responded with key free throws from Peyton Watson, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure. The final moments highlighted the skill and determination of both teams, culminating in a nail-biting finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Overall, this matchup between the Cavaliers and Timberwolves was a testament to the competitive nature of the NBA, showcasing the talent and resilience of both squads. The Cavaliers will look to build on this victory as they continue their season, while the Timberwolves will aim to bounce back from this narrow defeat.
What we said beforehand
The Cleveland Cavaliers will face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Rocket Arena on October 26, 2026, in what promises to be an exciting matchup. The Timberwolves come into this game with an impressive 3-0 record, while the Cavaliers sit at 1-1. This fixture is particularly noteworthy as it marks the beginning of their series, with both teams looking to establish momentum early in the season.
The Cavaliers have had a mixed start to their campaign, winning one of their last five games. Their most recent outing was a victory against the Brooklyn Nets, where they secured a narrow 125-121 win. Prior to that, they faced defeats against the Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic, and Philadelphia 76ers, with their only other win coming against the Magic as well. In their last five games, the Cavaliers averaged 117.0 points scored and allowed 118.4 points, indicating a need for improvement on the defensive end.
On the other hand, the Timberwolves are riding a five-game winning streak, showcasing a strong offensive performance. Their latest victory was against the Toronto Raptors, where they won decisively with a score of 117-94. Minnesota's recent form has seen them score an impressive average of 126.2 points while allowing only 110.2 points in their last five games. This offensive prowess will be a key factor as they look to extend their winning streak against the Cavaliers.
When comparing home and away performances, the Cavaliers have a home record of 1-1 this season, while the Timberwolves boast a perfect 3-0 record on the road. Historically, the Cavaliers have performed well at home, with a recent home record of 4-0 in their last four games, averaging 119.7 points scored and allowing 117.7 points. In contrast, the Timberwolves have shown resilience away from home, winning their last five games, which includes victories against the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic.
In terms of previous meetings this season, the Cavaliers and Timberwolves have split their two encounters, each team winning one game. The Cavaliers won their home game 146-134, while they lost the away game 122-131. This parity in their head-to-head record adds an intriguing layer to their upcoming match.
Injury concerns could also play a significant role in the outcome of this game. The Timberwolves will be without Donte DiVincenzo, who is out due to an Achilles injury. Additionally, Anthony Edwards is listed as day-to-day with a knee issue, which could impact Minnesota's offensive strategy. The Cavaliers, however, have not reported any significant injuries that would affect their lineup.
The betting market reflects the competitive nature of this matchup, with DraftKings listing the Cavaliers as favorites with a spread of -5.5. The total points for the game is set at 232.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair. The moneyline shows the Cavaliers at -205 and the Timberwolves at +170, further emphasizing the Cavaliers' status as the favored team.
As the game approaches, fans should watch for the performance of key players. For the Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell leads the team in scoring with an average of 27.0 points per game, while James Harden contributes significantly with 6.0 assists. For the Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards has been a standout with an average of 28.7 points, and LaMelo Ball adds depth with 6.3 assists. The matchup between the two teams' leading scorers could be pivotal in determining the outcome of this contest.
Overall, this game between the Cavaliers and Timberwolves is set to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams looking to assert their dominance early in the season. Fans can expect a fast-paced game filled with scoring, as both teams have shown their offensive capabilities in recent outings.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CLE -3.5 | 234.5 o -108 / u -112 | Minnesota Timberwolves +130 · Cleveland Cavaliers -155 |
Injury report
- Donte DiVincenzoOutAchillesMinnesota Timberwolves
Leaders
- PointsDonovan Mitchell26Cleveland Cavaliers
- AssistsJames Harden9Cleveland Cavaliers
- ReboundsEvan Mobley10Cleveland Cavaliers
- PointsAnthony Edwards47Minnesota Timberwolves
- AssistsLaMelo Ball6Minnesota Timberwolves
- ReboundsRudy Gobert20Minnesota Timberwolves
Recent form
Cleveland Cavaliers
Last 10: 7-3Streak W1119.7 scored · 117.7 allowed per game4-0 at home
- W125-121vs Brooklyn NetsOct 24
- L106-114at Philadelphia 76ersOct 22
- W130-117vs Washington WizardsApr 12
- L102-124at Atlanta HawksApr 10
- W122-116vs Atlanta HawksApr 8
- W142-126at Memphis GrizzliesApr 7
- W117-108vs Indiana PacersApr 5
- W118-111at Golden State WarriorsApr 3
- L113-127at Los Angeles LakersApr 1
- W122-113at Utah JazzMar 31
Minnesota Timberwolves
Last 10: 6-4Streak W5119.4 scored · 113.7 allowed per game4-3 away
- W117-94vs Toronto RaptorsOct 25
- W115-93at Orlando MagicOct 23
- W131-106at Miami HeatOct 21
- W132-126vs New Orleans PelicansApr 13
- W136-132at Houston RocketsApr 11
- L120-132at Orlando MagicApr 8
- W124-104at Indiana PacersApr 7
- L108-122vs Charlotte HornetsApr 5
- L103-115at Philadelphia 76ersApr 3
- L108-113at Detroit PistonsApr 2
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | - | 0 | W4 | 1.000 | 4 |
| Portland | 1 | 0 | W2 | 1.000 | 2 |
| Minnesota | 1 | 1 | L1 | .750 | 3 |
| Denver | 2.5 | 2 | L1 | .333 | 1 |
| Utah | 3 | 3 | L2 | .250 | 1 |
| Detroit | - | 0 | W3 | 1.000 | 3 |
| Cleveland | 1 | 1 | W2 | .667 | 2 |
| Indiana | 1.5 | 2 | L1 | .500 | 2 |
| Chicago | 2.5 | 3 | L2 | .250 | 1 |
| Milwaukee | 2.5 | 3 | W1 | .250 | 1 |
Box score
| Stat | Minnesota Timberwolves | Cleveland Cavaliers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 49-102 | 46-102 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 13-40 | 18-45 |
| Three-point % | 32 | 40 |
| Free throws | 14-23 | 17-23 |
| Free throw % | 61 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 54 | 50 |
| Offensive rebounds | 17 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 37 | 37 |
| Assists | 25 | 30 |
| Steals | 7 | 10 |
| Blocks | 7 | 9 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 19 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 18 |
| Points in the paint | 58 | 44 |
| Fouls | 22 | 24 |
| Largest lead | 15 | 5 |
| Lead changes | 16 | 16 |
| Time in front | 69 | 23 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter83-86Donovan Mitchell makes 25-foot three pointer
- 3rd Quarter85-86Terrence Shannon Jr. makes 6-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter86-86Terrence Shannon Jr. makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter88-86Ayo Dosunmu makes 1-foot driving dunk (Trey Lyles assists)
- 4th Quarter88-89Donovan Mitchell makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter88-91Peyton Watson makes driving layup (Donovan Mitchell assists)
- 4th Quarter90-91Joan Beringer makes 2-foot dunk (Anthony Edwards assists)
- 4th Quarter90-94Evan Mobley makes 25-foot three point jumper (Donovan Mitchell assists)
- 4th Quarter93-94Terrence Shannon Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jaden McDaniels assists)
- 4th Quarter96-94Jaden McDaniels makes 24-foot three point jumper (Anthony Edwards assists)
- 4th Quarter99-94Terrence Shannon Jr. makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter101-94Anthony Edwards makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter101-97Mario Hezonja makes 26-foot three point jumper (James Harden assists)
- 4th Quarter101-99James Harden makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter104-99Anthony Edwards makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter104-101Jarrett Allen makes layup (James Harden assists)
- 4th Quarter104-104James Harden makes 25-foot three point jumper (Peyton Watson assists)
- 4th Quarter106-104Anthony Edwards makes 15-foot pullup jump shot (LaMelo Ball assists)
- 4th Quarter108-104Anthony Edwards makes 7-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter108-107Evan Mobley makes 24-foot three point jumper (James Harden assists)
- 4th Quarter110-107Anthony Edwards makes 10-foot driving floating jump shot (LaMelo Ball assists)
- 4th Quarter110-109Donovan Mitchell makes 1-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter112-109LaMelo Ball makes two point shot (Jaden McDaniels assists)
- 4th Quarter112-111Donovan Mitchell makes 1-foot two point shot (James Harden assists)
- 4th Quarter113-111Jonathan Kuminga makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter113-113James Harden makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot
- OT113-116Evan Mobley makes 25-foot three point jumper (Sam Merrill assists)
- OT113-114Donovan Mitchell makes technical free throw
- OT116-113Anthony Edwards makes 26-foot three point jumper (LaMelo Ball assists)
- OT118-113Anthony Edwards makes 22-foot step back jumpshot
- OT118-116Evan Mobley makes 7-foot two point shot
- OT118-115Donovan Mitchell makes 2-foot two point shot
- OT121-115Anthony Edwards makes 24-foot three point jumper (Rudy Gobert assists)
- OT121-118Donovan Mitchell makes 19-foot fade away jump shot
- OT122-118Jonathan Kuminga makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT122-119James Harden makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT122-120James Harden makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT122-123Peyton Watson makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT122-124Peyton Watson makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT125-124Anthony Edwards makes 28-foot three pointer
Win probability
Above the line favours Cleveland Cavaliers, below favours Minnesota Timberwolves.
Venue
- Rocket ArenaCleveland, OH
- Attendance19432
- OfficialsBill Kennedy, Sean Wright, Tyler Ricks
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