Live Thread: Cavs vs Timberwolves

Cleveland returns home after a five game road trip nursing a three game losing streak, and they’ll be without the benefit of two of their all-stars as Allen, Wade, and Donovan Mitchell are all set to sit out this game.  The good news is that Raul Neto is reportedly recovered from injury. Additionally, Mimadi Diakite will be available for Cleveland, so we’ll see if the promise he showed in pre-season can be fulfilled. For Minny, only Naz Reid (OUT) is listed in the injury report.

I expect the Cavs to grind this one out, unless the team has really tuned out J.B. Given the losing streak, and J.B.’s propensity for doing more with less, and less with more, this one seems right in his wheelhouse. The reported startling lineup is interesting to say the least…

Lineup note: Cavaliers will start Garland, LeVert, Stevens, Love, E. Mobley on Sunday

— FantasyLabs NBA (@FantasyLabsNBA) November 13, 2022

I expect the Cavs to play a lot of Five out Offense with Gobert in the Middle for Minnesota, and I expect to see Robin Lopez get a good bit of run. The Wolves, incidentally, are smarting from their own three game losing streak. Stopping KAT and Minnesota’s dynamic backcourt will be key, as will the back line of the Cavs defense with Gobert as a vertical threat against their undersized starting bigs. We’ll see how the Cavs’ “City Edition” court and Unis look. Lots to take in. I hope I’m feeling more confident in three hours! Go Cavs!