Minnesota Timberwolves vs Cleveland Cavaliers Picks and Prediction for Monday October 26 2026
The Monday NBA schedule will get started with an intriguing matchup between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tipoff is scheduled for October 26, 2026 at 7:00 pm EST from Rocket Arena. The game will be streamed on NBA League Pass. The Cavaliers have been installed as a 3.5 point home favorite and the total is sitting at 233. Be ready for all of this season's NBA action with our free NBA picks.
Minnesota dominant to start the season
The Minnesota Timberwolves have advanced to at least the Western Conference semifinals in three consecutive seasons and have come out of the gates flying. The Timberwolves (3-0) are one of four undefeated teams in the conference and have won all three games by 20 plus points. Last night, Minnesota outscored Toronto by 20 points in the third quarter to pull away for a 117-94 home victory.
All-Star G Anthony Edwards led all scorers with 26 points on 10-for-18 shooting in just 28 minutes of action. LaMelo Ball scored 15 points and dished out eight assists, while finishing with a game-high plus 33 rating. Jaden McDaniels added 14 points and six boards for the Timberwolves.
Last season, the Timberwolves ranked sixth in the league in defensive efficiency and allowed 114.6 points per game. During Sunday’s home victory, Minnesota held All-Star F Scottie Barnes (0-12 FG) scoreless and won the rebounding battle by a 49-34 margin. The Timberwolves connected on 15-for-31 from long distance and shot 56 percent overall.
Cleveland still a contender in the East
The Cleveland Cavaliers have reached the playoffs in four consecutive seasons and were swept by New York in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Cavaliers (1-1) returned their core four starters and blew a 29-point first half lead in a season opening loss at Philadelphia. On Saturday, Cleveland built a 22-point second half advantage and held on for a 125-121 home victory versus Brooklyn.
All-Star G Donovan Mitchell led a balanced Cleveland scoring attack with 22 points (7-15 FG) and five rebounds. Jarrett Allen controlled the interior with 21 points (7-8 FG), eight rebounds, and two blocks. All-Star F Evan Mobley added 20 points (7-12 FG), ten rebounds, and four assists for the Cavaliers.
Cleveland has been a top five offensive unit over the last two years, but are currently in the bottom third of the league in offensive efficiency. During Saturday’s victory, the Cavaliers knocked down 16-for-38 from long distance and shot 51 percent overall. The Cavaliers turned the ball over 23 times, but outscored the Nets 46-30 in the paint.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Cleveland Cavaliers Picks and Prediction
Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers -3.5
Minnesota G Donte DiVincenzo is recovering from an Achilles injury and is confident that he will return this season. The Cavaliers have won 43 of the 71 all-time meetings against the Timberwolves and each team defended their home court a season ago. After collapsing in the season opener, Cleveland was understandably flat against Brooklyn. The Cavaliers are rested and get the Timberwolves on the second of a back-to-back. Take Cleveland to win and cover at home.
Pick: Under 233
These two teams rank in the top eight in defensive efficiency and the Timberwolves are holding opponents to an average of 97.7 points per contest. The Cavaliers are playing at the fourth slowest tempo and will be motivated after nearly blowing another lead. Look for Cleveland to turn up the defensive intensity and for Minnesota to fall flat. Take the under.
Final Score Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers win 118-107