Preview: What? The Rockets again, you say? Yep, this is the third meeting in just 12 days, thanks to the wacky, shortened 66-game season. Houston won the first easily, 107-92 at Target Center on Jan. 23. The Wolves won the second, convincingly, 120-108 Monday in Houston. And after Saturday, the teams won't meet again for another 12 whole days, until the season series finale at Houston on Feb. 17. ... The Rockets beat Phoenix 99-81 at home Friday night, after having lost their previous two games (at San Antonio on Wednesday and that Monday Wolves game).They had won nine of 10 before that.

Players to watch: Rockets point guard Kyle Lowry is the NBA's only player who is averaging at least 14 points (14.2), six rebounds (6.3), eight assists (8.0) and two steals (2.0) a game. He leads all guards in rebounding. ... Rockets shooting guard Kevin Martin is averaging 30 points a game against the Wolves this season. He had 31 in that game in Minnesota and 29 coming off a foot/heel injury on Monday.

Injuries: Wolves rookie G Malcolm Lee (knee surgery) is out but is expected to continue his comeback from Dec. 30 surgery with a rehab trip to the NBA Development League next week. The Rockets reported no injuries on Friday.

JERRY ZGODA