Basketball fans are in for a thrilling encounter as the Minnesota Timberwolves prepare to host the Cleveland Cavaliers in a high-stakes NBA regular season game. The action unfolds at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Thursday, January 8, 2026, with tip-off scheduled for 8:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). With both teams boasting strong records this season, this matchup promises to be a heart-throbbing spectacle of athleticism and strategy.
When and Where to Watch the NBA Game
For fans in India and globally, catching the live action is straightforward. The game will be broadcast nationally on FDSN and FDSOH. For viewers preferring online streaming, the match will be available on Fubo and Prime Video. This ensures fans won't miss a moment of the clash between these two formidable teams at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Team Lineups and Crucial Injury Updates
The expected starting lineups reveal the strategic cores of both teams. The Minnesota Timberwolves are likely to field Donte DiVincenzo at point guard, with Naz Reid and Julius Randle as power forwards, Jalen McDaniels at small forward, and the towering Rudy Gobert at center.
The Cleveland Cavaliers counter with a lineup featuring star guard Donovan Mitchell and Sam Merrill as shooting guards, Evan Mobley at power forward, Jarrett Allen at center, and Craig Porter Jr. running the point.
However, the injury report could significantly impact the game's dynamics. For the Timberwolves, the big question mark hangs over Anthony Edwards, listed as QUESTIONABLE due to injury maintenance. Terrence Shannon Jr. is ruled OUT with a foot injury.
The Cavaliers face more substantial roster challenges. Key player Darius Garland is QUESTIONABLE with a hand issue, while Dean Wade, Larry Nance Jr., Max Strus, and Chris Livingston are all OUT due to various injuries. Jaylon Tyson is also questionable due to illness.
Game Prediction and Key Player Stats
Analyzing the season's trends provides insight into what to expect. The Minnesota Timberwolves have a solid record of 24 wins so far. Statistically, in the 2025-2026 season, they have seen over 240.5 total points scored in 8 of their 37 games. Their key performers include Julius Randle, averaging 22.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, and Rudy Gobert, contributing 11.3 points and 11.2 rebounds on average.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, with 21 wins, have been involved in higher-scoring affairs, exceeding the 240.5-point mark in 15 of their 38 games. Their offensive engine is undoubtedly Donovan Mitchell, who boasts an impressive average of 29.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. Jaylon Tyson has also been a contributor with 12.8 points per game, though his availability is uncertain.
The absence of Anthony Edwards for the Timberwolves and the slew of injuries for the Cavaliers, especially if Garland is sidelined, adds a layer of unpredictability. While the Timberwolves have the home-court advantage and a slightly better record, the Cavaliers' potent offense led by Mitchell makes them a constant threat. The game may hinge on which team's role players step up to fill the gaps left by injured stars, setting the stage for a compelling and closely contested battle.
