wolves gameday

6 P.M. VS. L.a. lakers • ch. 29, 830-AM

Preview: The Wolves will try to break a 21-game losing streak to the Lakers — and that includes 10 in a row at Target Center — that dates to a 117-107 overtime victory at home on March 6, 2007. The Lakers are on a three-game losing streak — with losses at Phoenix, vs. Washington and at Golden State on Monday in a game the Lakers trailed by 23 at halftime. It is the Lakers' longest losing streak since a four-game losing streak in January. The Lakers still are clinging to the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Players to watch: Wolves G Ricky Rubio had nine points, eight assists and seven rebounds in his one game vs. the Lakers this season. J.J. Barea has averaged 17 points and 4.5 assists in two games vs. L.A. this season. Lakers G Kobe Bryant is coming off a 36-point game against the Warriors on Monday, with 23 of those coming in the second half. Bryant has averaged 25 points, 6.5 assists and 8.5 rebounds in two games vs. the Wolves this season. F/C Pau Gasol, fighting plantar fasciitis, has been back for two games, scoring just 11 points in those games. G Steve Nash is coming off a 21-point, nine-rebound, seven-assist game vs. the Warriors.

Numbers: Of those 21 consecutive losses to the Lakers, 12 have been by 10 or more points, including both losses this season. The Lakers are 27th in the league in bench scoring (26.9). The Lakers' bench had 21 points on 7-for-26 shooting vs. Golden State.

Injuries: Wolves F Kevin Love (hand surgery), G Malcolm Lee (hip and knee surgery) and G Brandon Roy (right knee) are out. Lakers G Kobe Bryant (left ankle), F/C Pau Gasol (plantar fasciitis), C Dwight Howard (right shoulder), Antawn Jamison (right wrist) and F Meta World Peace (left knee) are probable. F/C Jordan Hill (hip surgery) is out.

Kent Youngblood