Golden State Warriors (20-32) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (25-30)

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Last game: Minnesota: L, 116-108 vs Sacramento, Golden State: L, 98-94 vs Memphis

The Wolves struggled through the end of their road trip, falling to the Kings on Monday. Kevin Love led Minnesota with 23 points, but Tyreke Evans went for 24 points and seven assists. Worse for the Wolves: Luke Ridnour badly sprained his ankle in the 3rd quarter, leaving the desperately understaffed point guard position to rookie Malcolm Lee for the foreseeable future.

I’m not suspicious that the Warriors lost to the Grizzlies. After all, it’s not like another team has their protected pick, and if the Warriors get the seventh pick or higher, Golden State won’t have a first round selection in this loaded draft. And it’s not like the Warriors led for most of the game while Memphis played like crap, then somehow managed to outcrap the Grizz in the final quarter.

Wait, that is what happened? Hmm. Something smells fishy.

The Key Questions

#1. Will the Warriors actively try to lose this game?

I mean. They won’t be jacking up shots from half-court and allowing the Wolves to turn the game into a layup line. Well, they might do the latter: Golden State’s defense is shoddy, 5th worst in defensive efficiency.

But the Warriors have clearly given up on this season, and since Utah owns their draft pick unless it’s in the top seven, the Wolves have a real opportunity to be handed a game tonight.

#2. How will Malcolm Lee perform with real minutes?

Hardwood Paroxysm posted a nice piece (complete with video) about Malcolm Lee’s opportunity to show his worth. In the videos are a couple of nice examples of the on ball defense Lee brings to the table. He moves his feet very well, and has shown a good feel for the point guard position on offense.

Obviously, Timberwolves fans wish that Ridnour and Rubio were both around to take Lee’s minutes away from him, but this will be an excellent opportunity to see what he can do, especially defensively.

#3. How many minutes can Pek handle?

Pekovic was apparently champing at the bit to come back from his injury, but Adelman was reluctant to allow him minutes until the Wolves could establish that game time couldn’t hurt him. Apparently, it can’t.

Of course, that really depends on how you define “hurt.” Did Pekovic worsen his injury? No. Bone spurs in your ankles do not, by all reports, get worse when tread on. But Pekovic was clearly still hurting against Sacramento, unless he was grimacing because the Wolves were losing to Sacramento. That would be utterly understandable.

The Key Matchups

We already covered Malcolm Lee’s opportunity to start, but he will be opposite another rookie tonight in Charles Jenkins. While the game itself may not be representative of either team’s potential (Minnesota because of injuries, Golden State because of this), the matchup might well be competitive as two young players get an opportunity to show their abilities.

Kevin Love will be defending David Lee, who is averaging his second highest points per 36 minutes of his career, but also the lowest effective field goal percentage. Love also will probably spend some time defending Jeremy Tyler (haha) who started (HAHA) and played 30 minutes against the Grizzlies (HAHAHA).

Richard Jefferson has been coming off the bench for the Warriors, and has averaged 15 points on 55% shooting this season. He may cause some problems for the Wolves.

The Outlook

If Minnesota loses tonight, we will know the injuries are really getting to them. The Wolves were a better team than the Warriors before Golden State began intentionally losing a lot of games, and Minnesota should continue to be so thanks to Kevin Love.

The Wolves won’t make the playoffs this year, but at least a soft schedule here at the end might allow them to end the season on a good note.

Game starts at 7 on Fox Sports North

Sacramento Kings (18-34) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (25-29)

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Last game: Minnesota: L, 119-106 vs Portland, Sacramento: L. 111-99 vs New Jersey

The Timberwolves are sliding quickly. Despite Kevin Love’s 26 points and nine rebounds against the Blazers yesterday, Minnesota was a step behind the Blazers for most of the game and lost their eighth in 11 tries.

Sacramento lost to New Jersey, putting forth a lackluster effort on Saturday, the second night of a back to back. Tyreke Evans had one of his best shooting nights of the season, putting up 23 points on a tidy 9-15 from the field, but Deron Williams eviscerated the Kings, scoring 19 points and dishing out 15 assists.

The Key Questions

#1. So, will anyone actually be watching this game?

Besides me, that is. Follow me on Twitter (@xtomchaptersx) and talk to me if you are watching, or if you just feel like talking about the Wolves while you watch the NCAA Finals and wish Minnesota still had their own pick. Sigh.

#2. Let’s talk about Isaiah Thomas for a second.

Not a question, but I didn’t know how else to awkwardly transition into this. Not only has Isaiah Thomas been surprisingly productive, he has done it quite efficiently. Thomas’ true shooting percent is currently at 57%, and his turnover percentage is 15.3%. Both marks are significantly better than Houston’s star of efficiency Kyle Lowry. Note: I’m not saying Isaiah Thomas is better than Lowry. I’m just pointing out this fact: Mr. Irrelevant is really good.

#3. Any update on the injury front?

Nope. Beas, Pek and Barea will all be sitting out again tonight. Pekovic apparently has been working out with the team and hopes to return soon, but if the Wolves lose anymore games, letting him sit out the season might be prudent: lower leg injuries shouldn’t be missed with. Just ask Steph Curry.

The Key Matchups

DeMarcus Cousins will likely be stuck with Kevin Love tonight. Love is understandably exhausted, and has been playing like a hero for weeks. But if he can muster up the energy, Cousins can’t defend his range.

Luke Ridnour will have to try and contain the aforementioned Thomas. Ridnour has quietly been continuing his excellent play: he had 21 against the Blazers yesterday.

The Outlook

The second night of a back to back is tough for every team, and the Kings are above .500 at home. Tonight will be a challenge for the Wolves.

Game starts at 9 on Fox Sports North

Boston Celtics (28-22) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (25-27)

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The Timberwolves beat a bad Charlotte team Wednesday on the wings of yet another superstar performance by Kevin Love. Love dropped 40 points and grabbed 19 rebounds on the Bobcats, who threw several different defenders onto the floor but were completely unable to stop Love. Luke Ridnour also played an excellent game, putting up 14 assists in the win.

The Celtics won a statement game against Utah on Wednesday. In a match-up of ex Timberwolves big men, Kevin Garnett scored 23, while Al Jefferson scored 18 in the loss.

The Key Questions

#1. How should Timberwolves fans react to Kevin Garnett, in light of his recent comments about Minnesota’s organization?

Garnett recently was quoted as saying he has “nothing good to say” about Minnesota’s franchise. This isn’t the first time he has had bad things to say about the organization and probably won’t be the last.

However, Garnett, in the same interview, complimented his “true fans.” So really, his only beef is with the organization itself. Kahn wasn’t around when Garnett was traded so….TAAAAAAAAAAYLORRRRRRR!

#2. How will the Wolves match up defensively against the Celtics?

Zach Lowe, in an excellent breakdown of Kevin Love’s MVP candidacy, pointed out Love’s annoying tendency to sag under screens on the pick and roll, which leaves the Wolves vulnerable against power forwards who can knock down shots with range. Brandon Bass can knock down shots from range. He could punish the Wolves tonight if Minnesota’s pick and roll defense isn’t up to par.

#3. How will home and away records affect the game?

The Celtics are 10-14 away from the TD Banknorth Garden this season, and they seem to be much more motivated when playing in front of their home crowds. The Wolves are 13-12 at home.

The Key Matchups

Will Kevins Love and Garnett see time against each other? If so, Garnett actually expressed respect for Love’s game (!!!), so perhaps don’t expect to see the usual Garnett woofing. Regardless, if they do end up matched against each other, Love will have his hands full. Garnett has been playing exceptionally well since the All-Star break.

Speaking of having their hands full, if Rajon Rondo shows up active and engaged (which is legitimately a question with him), there will be little Luke Ridnour can do to stay in front of him.

Minnesota could REALLY use Nikola Pekovic. He would be able to push Kevin Garnett around in the post.

The Outlook

Boston doesn’t play well on the road, and Minnesota is exactly the type of team the Celtics are likely to lose their focus against. However, the C’s are 13-5 since the All-Star break and playing like world beaters at the moment. While it certainly isn’t out of the question, don’t count on a victory tonight.

Denver Nuggets (26-22) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (23-26)

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Last game: Minnesota: L, 149-140 in 2 OT vs Oklahoma City, Denver: L, 121-102 vs Utah

The Timberwolves lost one of the most exciting games of the NBA season on Friday to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Kevin Love led all scorers with a mind-blowing 51 points, and JJ Barea recorded his first career triple-double, but Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook combined for 85 points, with Durant hitting several clutch threes. Minnesota was without Nikola Pekovic and their second-highest scorer Michael Beasley.

The Nuggets gave up 121 points to the Utah Jazz on Friday. Seven different Jazz players scored in double figures, as Al Jefferson lead the way with 23. The Nuggets fell to 8th in the West, half a game ahead of the Rockets, two games ahead of the Suns, and 3.5 games ahead of the Timberwolves.

The Key Questions

#1. Will the Timberwolves respond well to their first home game since March 10?

The past 15 days have been rough on Minnesota. After Rubio went down for the season, the Wolves began a seven game road trip. Now they sit 3.5 games out of the playoff race, after going 2-9 in their last 11 games.

All is not lost. The upcoming schedule includes several against teams who will be vying for the last playoff spots. But the winning needs to begin this afternoon.

#2. Will Minnesota be mentally drained after Friday?

For me at least, Friday’s game was one of those losses I came away from like Will Ferrell in Anchorman. “You…you lost, but you stuck with the best team in the Western Conference without three of your four best players? Kevin Love dropped 51? You ate the whole block of cheese? I’m not even mad, I’m just impressed!”

I said in my last preview that I thought a win would go a long way towards boosting morale, but oddly, I think last night’s loss could do the same thing. The Timberwolves somehow stuck with the Thunder on pure grit without Pek and Beas (and Rubio, of course). Well, grit and Kevin Love. The man is legitimately insane right now.

#3. How will Aaron Afflalo’s absence affect the game?

Afflalo was suspended one game (justifiably) for throwing an elbow into Gordon Hayward’s chin. This is a break for the Wolves: Afflalo’s consistency would hurt Minnesota from the shooting guard position.

The Key Matchups

The Nuggets’ matchups are hard to predict because their rotations change so frequently. Against Utah, no player played 30 minutes. But I’ll give it a shot…

Pek is still listed as questionable for today’s game, but if he becomes available, he will be matched up with a combination of Timofey Mozgov and JaVale McGee. Neither player has the strength to deal with Pek in the post.

Love will see a lot of Kenneth Faried and Al Harrington. Neither player should be able to shut Love down, but Faried’s energy and athleticism may cause problems. If Love gets caught up complaining about foul calls on one end, Faried may punish him on the other. In other news, Kenneth Faried is freaking awesome.

Two days after getting torched by Russell Westbrook, Luke Ridnour has to try to contain Ty Lawson. Lawson isn’t as big and strong as Westbrook, but he is just as speedy. Ridnour will need to focus to stay in front of him.

The Outlook

I’m oddly optimistic about this game. A solid home crowd would really help the Wolves in their homecoming. And man, Minnesota could sure use a win.

Game starts at 2:30 on Fox Sports North

Oklahoma City Thunder (35-12) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (23-25)

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Last game: Minnesota: L, 116-100 vs San Antonio, Oklahoma City: W, 114-91 vs Los Angeles Clippers

The end of the road trip is in sight, and predictably, the Wolves are beginning to drag. Against the Spurs on Wednesday, Minnesota lost what would have been a difficult game even at full strength, as the Spurs were 17-4 at home. But the problem compounded when Nikola Pekovic was unable to play. Though the Spurs lost Tony Parker to a mild hamstring strain early in the 3rd quarter, Minnesota was unable to capitalize and fell further out of the playoff race.

The Thunder annihilated the free-falling Clippers on Wednesday. Kevin Durant scored 32 points on 11-18 shooting from the field, while the Thunder held the Clippers to just 36% shooting from the field.

The Key Questions

#1. Can the Wolves end their road trip strong?

Understandably, the Wolves are sick of playing away from the Target Center, and the effects of an extended road trip are starting to become evident. Though the playoff damage may have already been done, a win tonight, however unlikely, would go a long way toward boosting Minnesota’s slumping confidence going forward.

#2. Will Pekovic be available?

Nope. So Minnesota’s top scorers will be Kevin Love (good), Michael Bea…oh wait, he’s out too. Hmm. Luke Ridnour and JJ Barea are the next two highest scorers available? God save us.

Oh, by the way, about Beasley’s injury: he offered a gem after the loss on Wednesday.

From the Minneapolis Star Tribune:

You could tell on defense that I was babying it. I had become a bit of a liability on defense, so I took myself out.

Ohhhh, that explains a lot. I was thinking to myself watching that game….”Why is Beasley such a liability on defense? This is so unlike him.” Now it all becomes clear. Thanks Beas!

#3. How do you solve a problem like Durant?

Hell if I know. Maybe Pek knows a guy who could…take care of him.

The Key Matchups

Kevin Love will likely start at center again, meaning Kendrick Perkins will be forced to guard him. Perk is a very good post defender, so Love will need to drag him out of the lane and knock down some shots away from the basket.

Luke Ridnour has defended some tough players this season, but Russell Westbrook is just frightening. Westbrook is incredibly competitive and constantly plays with a chip on his shoulder. Plus his athleticism is staggering. Ridnour’s athleticism is staggeringly mediocre. This could get ugly.

(Note: I love Ridnour, just not in this match-up.)

The Outlook

Well, the Thunder appeared to be slipping until the Clippers showed up and allowed them to get back on track. Thanks guys. Just another reason to hate LA.

Seriously though, this game does not bode well for a tired, discouraged Minnesota team. I’d love to be proved wrong, but I’m finding it very difficult to project any kind of optimism for this one.

Game starts at 7 PM on Fox Sports North

San Antonio Spurs (29-14) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (23-24)

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Last game: Minnesota: W, 97-93 vs Golden State, San Antonio: L, 106-99 vs Dallas

Minnesota absolutely needed to beat Golden State to keep their playoff hopes alive on Monday, and at halftime, they looked to be in good shape. The Wolves led by 14 and were playing active, enthusiastic defense, holding the Warriors to just 35 first half points. But the Warriors nearly matched that total in the 3rd, scoring 32, and pulling themselves back into the game. Fortunately, Minnesota has Kevin Love and Golden State doesn’t. Love’s 36 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter, vaulted the Wolves to a big win.

The Spurs lost to their inter-state rivals on Monday, the Mavericks. San Antonio was, unsurprisingly, unable to contain Dirk Nowitzki, who put up a typically enormous night with 27 points. Tim Duncan and Danny Green led the Spurs with 17 points apiece. San Antonio is second in the Western Conference, 2.5 games ahead of the Lakers.

The Key Questions

#1. How much of a difference does Ricky Rubio make to this team?

This is a question with an obvious answer: Rubio makes an enormous difference, both to the performance and morale of the Wolves. But tonight will be a good measuring stick of how much better Minnesota is with Rubio. The Wolves beat San Antonio twice this year when Rubio was playing. Will they be able to win three in a row even with Rubio sitting out?

(Hint: Don’t put money on it.)

#2. Oh dear Lord, Darko is going to start another game?

Yes, Pekovic’s absence could be reason for despair, but remember! Darko only played six minutes against the Kings! Adelman will likely play a smaller lineup with several different centers guarding San Antonio’s large duo of Duncan and Tiago Splitter. Center by committee is still better than center by Darko.

Also, if you are looking for a little encouragement, when these teams met in early January, Pekovic didn’t play and Rubio only had 3 assists. The Wolves still won! The Spurs weren’t playing like world-beaters at the time and they were discouraged because Manu had just broken his hand, plus the Wolves shot something like 90% in the game from the field, but still!

#3. Do you even want to know the playoff picture at this point?

The good news is that Phoenix lost to the Heat while the Wolves beat the Warriors! The bad news is that Houston beat the Lakers (!!) and the Jazz beat the Thunder (!!!!). That was the most perfect two-day stretch for Minnesota to gain some ground. Instead, the Wolves remain exactly where they were. If all of Minnesota’s playoff rivals could play the Heat every night, and if the Wolves could play Golden State every night, we might be in business.

The Key Matchups

Tony Parker has been playing some of his best basketball ever this season. His PER is the second highest in his career, his turnover percentage is the third lowest while his usage rate is the second highest, and he is putting up a full assist more per 36 minutes than any other year. Though Luke Ridnour has been playing well himself since taking over Rubio’s role as point guard (9.1 assists per game, 10.6 subtracting the Sacramento crap-salad), Ridnour will have his hands full against Parker.

Kevin Love has (obviously) been torrid lately. DeJuan Blair, though an admirable player, simply doesn’t have the length to bother Love if he starts hitting with any kind of range. Tonight could be big for Kevin Love.

One interesting subtraction for San Antonio: Richard Jefferson, who torched the Wolves for 16 points in their first meeting.

The Outlook

As previously mentioned, both of Minnesota’s wins against San Antonio this season came with Rubio in the lineup, but both also came on Minnesota’s court. Tonight, they face the Spurs in San Antonio. Chances of a win without Rubio seem remote, especially given San Antonio’s 17-4 home record.

Game starts at 7:30 on Fox Sports North

Golden State Warriors (18-24) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (22-24)

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Last game: Minnesota: L, 115-99 vs Sacramento, Golden State: L, 99-92 vs Utah in OT

Despair. The road-weary Timberwolves dropped to two games below .500 with a loss to the Sacramento Kings yesterday. Kevin Love recorded another double double, scoring 21 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, but the Wolves turned the ball over 21 times, leading to roughly 360 kajillion fast break points for the Kings (real number: 27). The Wolves remained two games behind the Rockets for 8th place in the division, and a game and a half behind Phoenix and Utah.

The Warriors fell to the Jazz in overtime on Saturday. Nate Robinson led the Warriors with 19 points, and he was one of four starters with 13 points or more, but Golden State gave up 56 points in the paint, including 23 to Derrick Favors. The Warriors also recovered just three offensive rebounds, while the Jazz grabbed 20.

The Key Questions

#1. What happened between JJ Barea and Kevin Love?

Steve McPherson did a great video breakdown of the sequences leading up to the brief…whatever that was on the bench. Teammates get upset with each other, especially during tough times on the court. Hopefully this incident will blow over quickly. The last thing Minnesota needs is more drama.

#2. Can the Wolves take care of the ball?

The Warriors like to run. Their gameplan isn’t exactly a secret. The Wolves were sloppy and lackadaisical with their passes against the Kings. If Minnesota continues to turn the ball over against Golden State, tonight will feel like several eternities.

#3. Can the Wolves still get back in the playoff race?

Yes…technically. Minnesota is only two games out since Houston kindly lost last night (to the Suns, unfortunately). But after tonight, the Wolves face San Antonio and Oklahoma City on Wednesday and Friday, before finally going home to face Denver on Sunday, then playing the Grizzlies in Memphis on Tuesday. This losing streak may look daunting, but it could look a whole lot more daunting a week from now.

The Matchups

So after all that doom and gloom, let’s discuss some happier things. For example, the hardest matchup Minnesota faces tonight (probably) is David Lee vs. Kevin Love. Lee is a decent power forward, but not much of a defender. Love should enjoy himself.

Nikola Pekovic should be in uniform tonight, which will boost Minnesota’s front line quite a bit. Anthony Randolph did some good things last night (which was a surprise in itself), but he also did some really awful things (not a surprise at all), so Pekovic’s return will be most welcome.

According to Jerry Zgoda, Beasley’s toe was really bothering him last night, which doesn’t bode well for his playing time tonight.

In news from Golden State’s bench, Richard Jefferson shot a paltry 2-14 from the field against the Jazz. Keep the good times rolling, RJ!

The Outlook

Derrick Williams tweeted that the Wolves “need to turn it around tonight.” Actually Derrick, that was last night I’m afraid. A win tonight is essential, but Minnesota will need some pretty major upsets to remain in the Western Conference playoff race over the next week.

Game starts at 9:30 on Fox Sports North

Sacramento Kings (15-29) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (22-23)

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Last game: Minnesota: L, 97-92 vs Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento W, 120-95 vs Boston

Don’t let the final score fool you: Minnesota put forth a good effort, but they were badly outmatched by the Lakers on Friday. Kevin Love and Nikola Pekovic combined for 47 points, but they needed 42 shots. Meanwhile, Kobe Bryant torched the Wolves for 28 points, which included 5-8 shooting from behind the arc. Every time Minnesota made something that resembled a run, the Lakers seemed to have an answer.

Meanwhile the Kings badly outplayed the Boston Celtics in Sacramento. Marcus Thornton dropped a season high 36 points, leading Sacramento on an easy route of the C’s, who didn’t really show up for the game.

The Key Questions

#1. Can the Wolves steal a game on the road?

Minnesota’s record away from the Target Center this season is respectable, at 10-11. But the Kings, despite being 15-29 overall, are actually 11-9 at home. The combination of young talent and a home crowd makes the Kings a surprisingly tough matchup in Sacramento.

#2. Why are Luke Ridnour’s absurd assist totals not translating into wins?

I may well make this into a full length post later this week, but for now, note this: Ridnour’s assist totals over the past four games are 10, 9, 13 and 11, while the Wolves have gone 1-3. Minnesota is certainly struggling since Rubio went out for the season, but the struggles aren’t due to a drop-off in point guard play.

#3. Jimmer-mania?

Not a question so much, but something I find funny: in Friday’s game against the Celtics, a blow out mind you, rookies Jimmer Fredette and Tyler Honeycutt played the same number of minutes (10) and made the same number of shots (1). In related news, Jimmer was the 10th pick in the draft, while Honeycutt was selected in the second round, 35th overall. Hope you enjoyed your college glory days, Jimmer.

The Key Matchups

Pekovic is what DeMarcus Cousins dreams of at night when he watches a scary movie and takes too much Nyquil. Strong, steady and fundamental, Pek ripped apart the Kings in February, shooting a tidy 9-12 from the field and scoring 23 points. By comparison, Cousins was 3-13 from the field for 10 points. DMC is used to using his brute strength and touch around the basket to his advantage, but, as so many other teams have learned this season, brute strength doesn’t really work against Pek.

Kevin Love missed February’s matchup, but he dropped 33 on the Kings earlier this season. Jason Thompson is an athletic defender, but he struggles, like many others, to defend Love’s range and versatility.

Little Isaiah Thomas has been one of the biggest rookie surprises of the season. Taking his Mr. Irrelevance title personally, Thomas has been proving himself a capable NBA point guard despite his height (5’8). Ridnour will need to stay alert, as Thomas is very quick, but Luke will probably enjoy being taller than an opponent for once.

The Outlook

The season remaining is short enough that I can say “must win”, right? Because tonight’s game (and tomorrow’s against Golden State) are must-win games for the Wolves if they want to stay in playoff contention. While Houston and Denver are still (remotely) catchable, Utah and Phoenix are both coming on strong. Today and tomorrow are winnable games, and to make the playoffs, Minnesota needs to start winning now.

Game starts at 5 on Fox Sports North

Phoenix Suns (14-20) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (18-18)

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Last game: Minnesota: L, 104-85 vs Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix: L, 106-104 vs Golden State

Kevin Love sat out last night’s game against the Lakers with flu-like symptoms, and the rest of the team might as well have sat out too. Kobe Bryant eviscerated Minnesota for 31 points and eight assists, as the Lakers dominated the Wolves in LA. Minnesota’s shooting percentages were awful (39% from the field, 26% from 3), and they fell back to .500, staying a game out of eighth in the West.

The Suns haven’t played a basketball game since last week Wednesday, when they lost a heartbreaker to the Warriors. Battling back from a 20+ point first half deficit, Phoenix tied the game with 17 seconds left in the fourth before Monta Ellis drained a tough fadeaway with one second left that proved to be the difference. Markieff Morris took part in the Rising Stars Challenge (and completed a really nice play from Rubio), and Steve Nash was an All-Star, but no other Suns player has participated in basketball activities since Golden State.

The Key Questions

#1. How rusty will the Suns be?

If the Suns begin the game cold, Minnesota may get an opportunity to avoid their customary bad start. This would be big for the Wolves. On the third night of a back to back to back, Minnesota would definitely benefit from an early lead. Battling back from a deficit would feel like a steep uphill battle.

On the plus side, after missing last night’s game and Tuesday night’s fourth quarter, Kevin Love should be quite fresh.

#2. What’s wrong with Rubio’s shot?

Rubio has been awful shooting the ball over the past four games, going 9-39, which is 23% for those of you who like seeing misery spelled out. Earlier this season, Rubio seemed less tentative looking for his shot. After he misses a shot or two, he passes on good shots, realizes his mistake, and forces up a bad one. This is likely just an aberration, however. His numbers will likely trend upward soon.

#3. Where do the Wolves stand in playoff race?

Minnesota trails Portland by half a game and Denver by a full one. Denver is inactive tonight, but Portland will have their hands full against Miami. A win against Phoenix and a loss by Portland to the Heat would vault Minnesota into the 9th spot in the West, just a half game behind Denver.

The Key Matchups

Well, folks. Here it is. You’ve been comparing Rubio to Steve Nash since we saw his first behind the back pass. The head to head is finally here. For the record, I think that Nash comparisons are a little ridiculous. Yeah, Rubio is floppy haired, flashy foreign import. But Nash is a dead-eye shooter, whereas Rubio…well.

Channing Frye’s numbers are down from last year, but matched up against Kevin Love, his performance will be interesting. Love has neither the length nor the athleticism to defend Frye if he gets hot, but Frye is also a minus defender, so Love could have an advantage offensively.

But let’s be real here. You and I are most looking forward to Marcin Gortat vs Nikola Pekovic. The Polish Hammer vs The Pek-secutioner. It. Is. So. On.

The Outlook

The Wolves HAVE to be exhausted, after two grueling, difficult games against LA teams. The Suns, after shaking off their initial rust, will be healthy and energetic. I’m not saying Minnesota doesn’t have a shot, but I AM saying that expecting a win is probably unreasonable.

Game starts at 8 on Fox Sports North

Los Angeles Lakers (20-14) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (18-17)

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Last game: Minnesota: W, 109-97 vs Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers: L, 100-85 vs Oklahoma City

Yesterday was the prototypical Timberwolves’ game for three quarters. Time and again, when the Clippers threatened to pull away, the Wolves reeled them back. Then the fourth quarter happened and Michael Beasley and Derrick Williams both scored 13 points in the quarter and ended up with 27 while the bench scored 72 points for the game and the starters got to rest for the entire fourth quarter and seriously can someone explain to me WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED?!!!

The Lakers lost to the Thunder before the All-Star break. Kevin Durant dropped 33 points on Los Angeles, who struggled to contain Oklahoma City’s athleticism. But none of this matters nearly as much as what happened during the All-Star game. Kobe was fouled hard by Dwyane Wade, which broke his nose and gave him a mild concussion.

The Key Questions

#1 (Of course…) Will Kobe be cleared to play tonight?

At the moment, Kobe’s presence seems surprisingly likely. Despite all the new rules about concussions, Bryant has apparently cleared tests, and plans to play 2 on 2 this afternoon to determine if he is available. Of course, knowing Kobe Bryant, if he hasn’t lost a limb, he will probably keep playing.

This, of course, raises another interesting question: will Bryant be wearing a mask? Some players love the masks and get used to them (Richard Hamilton, for example). Others (like University of Connecticut center Andre Drummond) never get used to it and play considerably better without. A limited Bryant might actually be worse for Los Angeles than no Bryant. Limited, he is more likely to shoot them out of a game. Which brings me to…

#2. Is it possible the Lakers would be better without Kobe against the Wolves?

Heresy? Perhaps. But Kobe has a tendency to eat up Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum’s field goal attempts. And against Minnesota, Gasol and Bynum have a big advantage (literally). Gasol towers over Kevin Love, who has trouble contesting him. Bynum is much longer than Pekovic. It might be good for the Lakers to force the ball inside early and often, and with Kobe in the game, that is less likely to happen.

Unfortunately, Kobe could also come out and score 45 on Wes Johnson. Really, it’s kind of a toss-up.

#3. How did we get this far without asking something about Derrick Williams and Michael Beasley?

The best part about last night’s game against the Clippers? Clearly, the Wolves won. But the SECOND best part of last night’s game was the rest the bench bought the starters. Minnesota is in the middle of a painful back-to-back-to-back. Having a rested squad against a tough Lakers team will be huge.

The Key Matchups

We already discussed Kevin Love vs Pau Gasol. One of the more underrated subplots of tonight’s game will be what adjustments Adelman will make to contain Gasol. After Kevin Martin torched the Wolves, Adelman took a calculated risk and had Wes guard him the next time Minnesota faced Houston, leaving the smaller Ridnour on Chandler Parsons. It worked well. What Adelman does to adjust to LA’s height could determine whether the Wolves can stretch their winning streak.

Minnesota’s bench is much more talented than the LA’s. If it comes down to a battle of depth, that will bode well for the Wolves.

The Outlook

Despite all the positivity from last night, the Wolves could actually be in for their second consecutive trap game against the Lakers, as weird as that sounds. When the Lakers visited the Wolves earlier this season, Minnesota was caught complacent. It will be very important for Minnesota to come out of the gate swinging tonight, because climbing back against veterans like the Lakers will be much more difficult than against the young Clippers.

Game starts at 9:30 on Fox Sports North