Howlin' T-Wolf

Timberwolves: 14-48

Rockets: 30-30

Everything’s bigger in Texas, as well as the level of competition. The Wolves lost to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday and come home to the Target Center to face the Houston Rockets. Houston has had success at the Target Center winning four games in a row the past two seasons. In complete irony, the Wolves have struggled at the Target Center this year with a puny record of 9-21. Is it possible for an away team to have the advantage at the opposition’s arena? We’ll see about that. As for the players, the Rockets are coming in with a new shooting guard in Kevin Martin, who’s averaging 25 points a game in the past five contests with his new squad. His opposition, Corey Brewer, has slowed down a bit as of late but only in terms field goal percentage. I’m sensing a sense urgency from Brewer — he’s trying to make plays because, well, no one else is — which has brought his field goal percentage down a little bit. Al Jefferson will be sitting on the bench tonight, as he serves the final game of his two game suspension for his DUI charge. In his wake, Darko will get his second start as he and Ryan Hollins will be facing the shorter frontcourt, Luis Scola and Chuck Hayes, of the Rockets. That may be a key tonight: Get the ball down low to the big fellas. I’m looking for a spectacular performance tonight out of Kevin Love, a.k.a. Senor Amor. He’ll be able to take advantage of a shorter Luis Scola and probably get some good production underneath the hoop tonight. One quick note, Trevor Ariza is listed as Day-to-Day for the game tonight, so he is questionable to play tonight.

Match-ups:

Point Guard:

Jonny Flynn vs. Aaron Brooks

A match-up of two very similar guards, Flynn and Brooks will have fun flying all over the court with each other tonight. Recently, Brooks has scored a lot of points, nearly 25 in the past five games, but it takes him a lot of shots to get that many points. Brooks shoots the ball nearly 25 times per game. So, if you think about it, he gets one point for every shot he throws up, technically speaking of course. If Flynn can get Brooks agitated enough to throw up aimless three-pointers and play more consistent and conservative on the offensive end, then Flynn may just have the advantage tonight.

Advantage: Minnesota

Shooting Guard:

Corey Brewer vs. Kevin Martin

Martin has been on a tear since being traded to Houston. He is thriving in a faster paced offense as well as playing with the little bullet, Aaron Brooks. Brewer’s “hot-hand” has slowed down but his streak of consecutive games with a three-pointer lives on. This match-up will probably be the most important one of the night. Brewer will need to hold Martin to 20 points or less while posting 15-plus points of his own. If he proves unsuccessful, Martin’s difference in points may just be the difference in the game overall.

Advantage: Houston

Small Forward:

Ryan Gomes vs. Shane Battier

This match-up is a bit of a wash but I like Gomes’ range better than that of Battier’s. Although Battier can be a stud on the defensive end — he had seven blocks in their last game against the Sacramento Kings, Gomes I think should have a good game nevertheless. Not to mention, Damien Wilkins has molded into his role as a role-player off the bench and this gives the Wolves some consistency off the bench.

Advantage: Minnesota

Power Forward:

Ryan Hollins vs. Luis Scola

Neither Hollins nor Scola are defensive experts, or even second-raters for that matter. Scola is very slick on the offensive side and a very good rebounder as well. Hollins, not so much, but he can do damage at times. The difference here is the bench play; Kevin Love and Jared Jeffries. Love is the best player out of all four of these and this could pose as potential problems for the Rockets. They’ll need to find an equilibrium for Senor Amor. Period. Oh, and good luck!

Advantage: Minnesota

Center:

Darko Milicic vs. Chuck Hayes

Hayes is just about the biggest bruiser in the NBA. Only problem is he stands a mere 6′6″. Does he stand a chance against the 7-foot mammoth with lanky limbs and an improving game? Not so sure, but it will be interesting to watch nonetheless.

Advantage: Minnesota