Howlin' T-Wolf

Timberwolves: 14-53

Suns: 41-36

Get ready for a barn burner! When two of the league’s fastest pace teams get together, you can definitely expect some poor defense and lots of run-and-gun game play. I think if both of these teams had the chance to, they would cancel out defense completely from the game of basketball. Sadly for them, they can’t, so basically, whoever can play defense or limit their turnovers best will win this game. Phoenix has the league’s most efficient offense and due largely to the decision of the Suns management to keep forward Amar’e Stoudemire. He’s torn it up the past five games, averaging 31 points and 11 rebounds. He’s tallied over 30 points in four of the past five games and scored 29 in the other against the Los Angeles Lakers. Who knows, maybe all the trade winds lit a fire under Stoudemire, and the management just used them as a motivational tool. With that said, I don’t know if the Wolves will have an answer for Stoudemire tonight. I mean, does anyone really? The Wolves interior defense has been suspect at best lately and offers no counter for the monster Stoudemire. On a positive note, Kevin Love may return tonight, as the Wolves have desperately missed him and the extra depth on the front line. Also, Al Jefferson has played well as of late and will look to continue that against one of the league’s worst defenses. But other than that, this game could get ugly, fast, especially if Jefferson is off and Love sits once again. For the sake of our current 15 out of 16 game losing drought, let’s hope the stars align and the basketball Gods are on our side for the night.

Match-ups:

Point Guard:

Jonny Flynn vs. Steve Nash

I’m not happy with Flynn’s play lately. As a matter of fact, I still believe Ramon Sessions ought to play more tonight over Flynn but that ain’t up to me. Anyways, good luck to either of you guarding a wizard of a point guard in Nash.

Advantage: Phoenix

Shooting Guard:

Corey Brewer vs. Jason Richardson

Brewer is continuing to struggle with his shooting and can’t create shots of his own. He may have more — and better – opportunities in a potentially fast-paced game, so that’s something to look forward to. Richardson is surprisingly having a good season. I say surprising because I still only look at him as a fast-break threat who can hit a few threes on a good night. He scored 20 against the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday and I like his role on this Suns team.

Advantage: Phoenix

Small Forward:

Ryan Gomes vs. Grant Hill

The geriatric Hill doesn’t contribute nearly as much as he used to but has a nice backup to sub in his place. Jared Dudley is a good young player, who can shoot from downtown and subtly make defenses respect his presence. Gomes is having the same trouble as Brewer in creating his own shots. I’d like to see more of a physical game from Gomes tonight. If he can bang Hill and Dudley around in the high post, I could see some good things happening from that.

Advantage: Minnesota

Power Forward:

Al Jefferson vs. Amar’e Stoudemire

I said it earlier, Stoudemire is a stud right now and not many defensive prowesses could stop him, let alone Jefferson’s pathetic defensive efforts. Jefferson’s offense is blossoming at a nice time but not nearly to the extent of Stoudemire’s.

Advantage: Phoenix

Center:

Ryan Hollins vs. Robin Lopez

I think Lopez is a bit underrated. Maybe its because he stands as a mere shadow to his All-Star brother from the New Jersey Nets, Brooke, but since he’s in the run-and-gun offense of the Suns, its hard for him to get much recognition for his defensive skills, as well as his so-so post moves. He also has a good backup in Channing Frye, who is shooting 43% from three-point range. I still don’t like Hollins and I hope Darko Milicic comes back tonight to offer so sort of defensive threat in the paint.

Advantage: Phoenix