Preview: It's the first of home back-to-backs against the Los Angeles teams. Saturday's game is the third home game for the Timberwolves (2-5). Defense continues to be a challenge; the Wolves have given up 110 points and 50 percent shooting over the past four games. The Wolves are 28th in the league in points allowed in the paint (50.6 per game). The Clippers (7-1) took a four-game winning streak into their game at Oklahoma City on Friday. They rank first in the league in fewest points allowed per game, lowest opponent field goal percentage and defensive rating. The Clippers have won eight in a row vs. Minnesota at Target Center. This is the first time Wolves coach Tom Thibodeau will go against Clippers coach Doc Rivers as head of the Wolves; Thibodeau was Rivers' assistant in Boston when the Celtics won the NBA title in 2008.
Players to watch: A Timberwolves player scored more than 30 points in each of the past three games — G Zach LaVine (37 at Orlando), F Andrew Wiggins (36 at Brooklyn) and C Karl-Anthony Towns (33 at Oklahoma City). PG Tyus Jones has scored in double figures in two straight games off the bench. Clippers F Blake Griffin was averaging 19.6 points and 10.1 rebounds entering Friday's game. PG Chris Paul was averaging 19.3 points and 8.4 assists.
Injury report: Wolves PG Ricky Rubio (elbow) is questionable. Clippers F Brice Johnson (back) is out.
Kent Youngblood
