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Who? Cleveland Cavaliers (37-16) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (21-34)
When? 8PM
Where? Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Where on my eyeballs? NBA TV
Sometimes fate, or the schedule makers, align things in a funny way. A few days after Kevin Durant made his return to Oklahoma City, the specter of the past returns to Minneapolis. Even though it’s been a few years since the departure of their former star, as Cavs fans we can relate to wanting to get that illusive win over a player that chose to go elsewhere.
Sure the motivations for choosing the Cavs from an objective standpoint make sense. The opportunity to contend for a title is rare in the NBA. But that won’t change things for the fans of the Timberwolves. Seeing their lottery pick with whom they pinned their hopes and dreams to wear wine and gold, even years later, surely still carries a sting.
While few of the faces from his time with the team are still in place, the torch has been passed down to a new wave of talent. Unfortunately Zach LaVine will miss tonight’s game and the rest of the season with a torn ACL. But Andrew Wiggins, as well as Karl-Anthony Towns must shoulder the responsibility of trying to overcome the Cavs.
The fans will likely boo Derrick Williams each time he touches the ball. In some ways, it honors all that he accomplished with the team. The fact emotions are still high all this time later is a testament to how much belief he brought to the team. He will miss his sidekick from his Minnesota days in Kevin Love, who is getting a second opinion on his injured knee. But it will be on the rest of the Cavs to try and elevate him on this stage so that he can send the fans home unhappy.
Fear the Sword’s Fearless Prediction
Despite being shorthanded, the Cavs are fairly well rested and should be able to handle the Wolves. No Kevin Love obviously makes things difficult, but if Williams struggles to handle more minutes Tuesday night, the Cavs can easily go with LeBron at the four against this Wolves roster. Cavs win 108-99.