Howlin' T-Wolf

Timberwolves: 9-38

Clippers: 20-25

The Timberwolves will be hosting the Clippers at a low point in both the team’s seasons. The Clippers lost to the lowly Nets Wednesday night and were sent packing for Minnesota with their heads down and tails between their legs. A sad, sad effort against the NBA’s worst team to say the least. As for the the Wolves, we’re coming home from a dissapointing road trip and looking to bounce back. The Clips might just be the right team to do that. The Wolves might be able to take advantage of their low morales but we can’t expect the Clips to come out and lay an egg either. The Clippers have been in the mid-low end of the Western Conference all season but aren’t a team to sleep on. They’ve actually defeated the Wolves three times this season already– the last being a 120-95 shellacking at home on Dec. 16. Flynn went 3-12 in that one but has recently improved on both ends of the floor. Basically, the Wolves will need to improve their shooting percentage if they want to defeat the Clips tonight. They shot only 38% from the field Wednesday against the Cavs. Although the Clippers don’t have the defensive ball-hawking ability of the Cavs, the Wolves will need to shoot at a higher percentage no matter what if they expect to win. Giving the ball to Love will be critical and allowing Brewer to do his thing would be a good idea with his recent numbers. Both teams are strong in the front court but the Clippers have more leadership and scoring in their backcourt. So, the Wolves will want to jump out on top early in this one, if possible. The Clippers are down, so why not kick ‘em? Especially early.

Match-ups:

Point Guard:

Jonny Flynn vs. Baron Davis

Baron Davis is a bonafide veteran. He has proved day in and day out that he is one the league’s top point guards. Jonny Flynn will learn a lot tonight but probably won’t have the leg up in this one. Davis was off on Wednesday going only 2-10 but he’s an All-Star caliber player that will make the right plays, and choices, when his team needs him. And tonight will probably be no different.

Advantage: Los Angeles

Shooting Guard:

Corey Brewer vs. Eric Gordon

Brewer’s number weren’t as impressive Wednesday night but the effort was still there. If he can get a few more shots to go down tonight, I think he will outscore Gordon and out-perform him in totality. Gordon can score from anywhere on the court and is quicker than Brewer, so look to see if Gordon can beat Brewer off the dribble. It won’t be easy to get through Brewer’s lanky limbs but if he can, he just may prove to be successful as well.

Advantage: Minnesota

Small Forward:

Damien Wilkins vs. Rasual Butler

Wilins has looked bitterly awful the last few games and Butler can make shots from around the floor. Not sure if Wilkins has much of a chance in this one but it would be nice to see him step up for a change. We could use him if we want to come out with the victory in this one. We don’t need much but more than what he has done recently will certainly suffice.

Advantage: Los Angeles

Power Forward:

Ryan Gomes/Kevin Love vs. Marcus Camby

The Wolves seem to be sticking with Gomes in the starting spot and I can’t complain. Plus, Love’s production off the bench is much needed, so it’s not a bad move. Camby is one of those few guys that can really match Love’s physicality in the league. He’s grabbing nearly 12 rebounds a game and draws attention in the paint defensively. He is not much of a threat offensively unless Love or Gomes fail to show up and match his intensity. Otherwise, I think Love will continue his tough play and have another good game tonight.

Advantage: Minnesota

Center:

Al Jefferson vs. Chris Kaman

Listen, the “Big Cat” has looked terrible and it’s truly a sad sight. Kaman is a better player right now and if Jefferson can’t slow his game down, Kaman will beat him all night long.

Advantage: Los Angeles