7 p.m. vs. L.A. Lakers • Target Center • FSN Plus, 830-AM

Preview: The Lakers flew away Monday on a three-game trip that starts at Target Center without injured stars Kobe Bryant (fractured knee) and Pau Gasol (groin). But there's a good chance that two-time league MVP Steve Nash could play for the first time since early November because of what the team called a "nerve root irritation" in his back. On Monday, the Lakers really only had Kendall Marshall as their point guard. Now, they could be getting Nash, Steve Blake and Jordan Farmar all back Tuesday for a team that has lost six consecutive games and 12 of 14. … Timberwolves star Kevin Love iced and rested his sprained ankle on Sunday's off day and reported it "felt good" in Monday's practice. … The teams split the season's first two games, both in Los Angeles.

Players to watch: Nash's return, if it comes, will be his first game played since the Wolves scored 47 first-quarter points and routed the Lakers 113-90 on Nov. 10. He has played only six games this season. … Lakers guard Nick Young is tied for the team scoring league with Gasol at 17.0 ppg and he's doing it coming off the bench. … With all their other point guards injured, the Lakers signed free agent Marshall and in 15 starts, he is averaging 11.9 points, 11.5 assists and 3.6 rebounds. He set a career high with 17 assists against Denver a month ago. … Former Wolves lottery pick Wes Johnson continues to start at forward for Los Angeles and is averaging career highs in rebounds (3.7), blocks (1.0) and steals (1.0).

Injuries: Wolves C Nikola Pekovic (ankle bursitis) is out. Bryant and Gasol didn't travel, and G Xavier Henry (knee bone bruise) is listed at out. Nash, Blake and Farmar are possible, G Jodie Meeks (sore foot) is listed as probable.