wolves gameday

7 P.M. VS. Portland • Target center • FSN (830-am)

Preview: The Trail Blazers have won five consecutive games after beating the Cavaliers 119-116 on Tuesday in Cleveland and own the NBA's best record (22-4). They have had winning streaks of 11, five and four games and haven't lost consecutive games yet. … This is the first of a four-game series this season. The Blazers have won the past five meetings between the teams and 21 of the last 23. But seven of the past 10 games have been decided by 10 or fewer points. …The Blazers have scored 100 points or more in their past seven games against the Wolves, too.

Players to watch: Blazers G Damian Lillard scored 36 points — 23 of them in the second half — and hit a buzzer-beating winner for the second consecutive game Tuesday. This one was a three-pointer. He ranks second on the team in scoring with 20.0 ppg average to LaMarcus Aldridge's 23.5 average and first in assists (5.6 a game). … Portland F Nicolas Batum — whom the Wolves signed to a $46 million-plus offer sheet that the Blazers matched in July 2012 — is averaging 13.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists.

Injuries: Wolves F Dante Cunningham left Monday's loss at Boston late in the game after painfully injuring his left ankle and Rick Adelman said afterward that he didn't expect Cunningham to play Wednesday. C Ronny Turiaf (elbow) and F Chase Budinger (knee surgery) also is out. G Kevin Martin (knee) is doubtful. Blazers G C.J. McCollum (fractured foot) is out.

JERRY ZGODA