Howlin' T-Wolf

Timberwolves: 14-60

Kings: 24-51

Could this be the last chance for the Wolves to pick up a victory and stop free-falling into one of the worst losing streaks in NBA history? Possibly. After tonight’s game, the Wolves have seven games left; four of which are against teams contending for, or already have, playoff spots. If this is one of the last chances for the Wolves to break their streak, things don’t look too good. The last time these two teams met, the Kings worked the Wolves over on their way to a 114-100 win. Tyreke Evans was one rebound short of a triple-double that night and there’s no reason to think he couldn’t get one tonight. He out-plays Jonny Flynn and Ramon Sessions in all aspects of the game, proving that he is the league’s top rookie. Where the game could make or break itself for the Wolves, though, is the guys underneath. Al Jefferson, Kevin Love and Darko Milicic have not gelled well since being paired into a three-headed monster that has to take turns attacking the enemy, as opposed to using team-work to wear down the opposition. They fail at excelling on the court when two of the three on the floor together, thus proving that David Kahn will have some decisions to make this offseason about who will remain a Timberwolf. Well, no matter who is out there tonight, they will have difficulty stopping the Kings’ own three-headed monster: Carl Landry, Spencer Hawes and Jason Thompson. Last game they went off for a combined 36 points and 22 rebounds and just seemed to outplay the big men of the Wolves. Match-up problems lie all over the place for the Wolves tonight, so production from any direction will be much needed in this match-up.

Match-ups:

Point Guard:

Jonny Flynn vs. Tyreke Evans

Flynn has played better as of late, but still not well enough. His field goal percentage needs to improve until fans can deem him a decent point guard to say the least. On the other hand, Evans is this year’s best rookie and one of the league’s best point guards already. Good luck, Flynn.

Advantage: Sacramento

Shooting Guard:

Corey Brewer vs. Beno Udrih

Udrih doesn’t play a true shooting guard positions and neither does Evans play as a true point. I would classify them both as just guards, or “ball-handlers”. With that said, depending on who is defending Udrih tonight, they will have a difficult time with the quick, little speedster. Udrih has been playing great lately, especially in the absence of a recently injured Evans. He can sneakily score a good amount of points on you and very quick, so don’t let him get off your radar if you’re a Wolf. As for Corey, his game has seen a slight declination ever since the end of his three-pointer streak, but who’s game hasn’t fallen off if you’re a Wolf? Basically due to match-up problems, the Kings just have a better backcourt, period.

Advantage: Sacramento

Small Forward:

Ryan Gomes vs. Donte Greene

Both Greene and Gomes are good role players for their squads but the advantage goes to Minnesota here because the Kings are a little down on depth at the position.

Advantage: Minnesota

Power Forward:

Al Jefferson vs. Carl Landry

Who will you play tonight, coach Rambis? You know what Al can do when given the opportunities at a constant rate and you know what Love can do when given the proper amount of minutes. The frontcourt is such a crap shoot for the Wolves right now, so I’d go with the solid combo of Landry-Thompson any day.

Advantage: Sacramento

Center:

Darko Milicic vs. Spencer Hawes

I like Darko, I truly do. But did you know the Wolves are now 1-17 with him on the squad thus far? Yikes. Makes you think twice about this whole possibility of re-signing him thing…

Advantage: Sacramento