Preview: The Wolves, who ended a two-game losing streak with a rousing victory over Oklahoma City on Thursday, play their third division-leading team in a row. But they will be playing without Kevin Love, who stayed home because of an eye injury suffered Thursday, when he scored 28 points against Oklahoma City. The Knicks have won five of seven, but lost at home Friday to Chicago in a game in which Knicks star Carmelo Anthony and three others were ejected.

Players to watch: Wolves F Andrei Kirilenko gets his third consecutive tough defensive test in Anthony. Kirilenko needs six steals to reach 1,000 for his career. G J.J. Barea is coming off a 14-point fourth quarter against the Thunder. ... For the Knicks, Anthony's 29 points vs. Chicago broke a streak of four consecutive 30-point games. C Tyson Chandler is averaging a double-double this season. G Jason Kidd is shooting 44.8 percent on three-pointers.

Numbers: The Wolves are 14-7 in their past 21 games with the Knicks; the two teams split two games last season, with each winning at home. The Wolves have averaged 51 points in the paint in their last eight games.

Injuries: Wolves F Chase Budinger (knee), G Malcolm Lee (knee), G Brandon Roy (knee) and Love (eye) are out. For the Knicks, G Iman Shumpert (knee) and F Amare Stoudemire (knee) are out. C Marcus Camby (foot) and F Rasheed Wallace (foot) are doubtful.

KENT YOUNGBLOOD