After six long seasons in Minnesota, Kevin Love was traded to Cleveland in one of the most notable offseason moves in recent history. Finally playing for a winner, expect Love and his Cavaliers to come out and secure an early lead.
AccuScore has the Cavaliers as heavy 92.4 percent favorites to win, a price that should warrant a -1215 money-line wager. Even if the sports books are offering the Cavs at a slightly lower number, the risk is far too high at that price.
Instead, bettors should check out the spread and the total. The average score after 10,000-plus simulations is 116-97. There is nearly a 58 percent chance Cleveland covers a -14 spread. Minnesota is 0-4-1 ATS in its last five games on the road.
AccuScore Best Bet: There is a 59.7 percent chance the total combined score goes OVER 207, a 4-star (out of four) AccuScore hot trend.
Keep an Eye Out: Overall, Cleveland makes 5-6 more shots than Minnesota in simulations while taking about 2-3 fewer attempts. The Cavs average about eight more rebounds and 3-4 more made three-point baskets than the Wolves.
Projected Leaders
Thaddeus Young: 16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 2 TOs
LeBron James: 28 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, 3 TOs
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