Both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves are focused on bouncing back from recent defeats as they prepare to clash in Minneapolis on Friday night.

Cleveland (43-26) is regrouping following a 107-104 loss against the Miami Heat at their home court on Wednesday. With two losses in the last three games and four defeats in their last six, the Cavaliers are striving to secure a strong position in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

On the other hand, Minnesota (47-22) is seeking a fresh start after a narrow 115-112 loss at home against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday. This outcome marked the conclusion of a three-game winning streak for the Timberwolves, who are still contenders for the top seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

Injuries to key players are impacting both teams.

Minnesota faced their recent matchup without Karl-Anthony Towns (knee), Rudy Gobert (ribs), and Naz Reid (concussion protocol). While Towns’ return remains uncertain, Gobert and Reid are questionable for the upcoming game.

Top scorer for the Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards, persevered through a dislocated left middle finger in their previous game, scoring an impressive 30 points against Denver.

Despite the setback, Minnesota’s guard Mike Conley expressed optimism. Despite a depleted roster due to injuries, the Timberwolves nearly upset the reigning champions.

“We have faith in everybody that plays, and for us to have a showing like we did (Tuesday), going against one of the better teams out there, it shows a lot of grit (and) shows what we’re made of,” Conley said. “… You just love to see the guys build around each other and find ways through it.”

Cleveland is also grappling with injuries that have sidelined three starters.

Donovan Mitchell is dealing with a broken nose and will be reevaluated next week. With impressive averages of 27.4 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game, his absence is felt.

Evan Mobley (sprained left ankle) and Max Strus (right knee strain) are also out of action. Mobley boasts a double-double average of 15.6 points and 10.2 rebounds, while Strus has been contributing with an average of 12.2 points and a 34% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc.

Mobley, Strus, and Mitchell are confirmed absences for the upcoming game.

“All are closer, but I can’t give you any projected timetable,” Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff said.

This game marks the final encounter between these two teams in the regular season.

The previous meeting extended into overtime, with Cleveland emerging victorious with a 113-104 win on their home court. Jarrett Allen‘s stellar performance included 33 points, 18 rebounds, as well as three assists, two steals, and two blocked shots.

In their initial faceoff with the Cavaliers, Reid led the Timberwolves off the bench with 34 points, while Edwards struggled with 19 points, missing 20 of his 27 shot attempts.

Minnesota boasts a strong home record of 23-9 this season, while Cleveland holds a solid 21-12 away record.