wolves gameday

6:30 P.M. at NEW YORK • FSN PLUS, 830-AM

Preview: The Timberwolves, coming off an impressive victory over Oklahoma City on Friday and 2-0 for only the fourth time in franchise history, haven't been 3-0 since starting the 2001-02 season 6-0. New York hasn't played since losing by a point to the Bulls in Chicago on Thursday. The Knicks are a team in transition. Jason Kidd retired, Amare Stoudemire (knees) is still working his way back to 100 percent. But the Knicks, who won 54 games last season, have added F Andrea Bargnani, G Tim Hardaway Jr., G Beno Udrih and F Metta World Peace to help star Carmelo Anthony.

Players to watch: It's early, but Wolves F Kevin Love is tied for third in the league in scoring (27.5) and tied for second in rebounds (14.5). PG Ricky Rubio is tied for second in the league in both assists per game (10.5) and steals (4.0). Rubio is coming off his eighth career game with at least 10 points, 10 assists and five steals. F Corey Brewer was the point man defensively against Kevin Durant tonight; he'll likely get Anthony on Sunday. Anthony leads the Knicks in scoring (20.5) and steals (3.5). G Raymond Felton (15.5) and G/F Iman Shumpert (11.5) are also scoring in double figures.

Numbers: The 81 points the Wolves held the Thunder to Friday was the second-fewest in the 95-game series between the two franchises. Rubio, Love and C Nikola Pekovic had double-doubles in the same game for the third time, the first since Feb. 3, 2012. The Wolves have lost four in a row to New York.

Injuries: Wolves F Chase Budinger (knee surgery) and C Ronny Turiaf (fractured right elbow) are out. Knicks G J.R. Smith (suspension) is out.

Kent Youngblood