7 P.M. VS. NEW ORLEANS • FSN, 830-AM

Preview: The Wolves, coming off a disappointing loss to Washington on Monday, face a Pelicans team playing pretty well of late. New Orleans has won three of four games while improving to 14-15, a surge that includes victories over Denver and Portland on Monday. This is a game between teams each one game under .500, both working to become a part of the Western Conference playoff picture.

Players to watch: Wolves F Kevin Love had an amazing December, which he ended by scoring 25 or more points in 11 consecutive games. Love averaged 30 points and 13.7 rebounds in 12 December games. F Corey Brewer has scored in double figures in three games in a row, shooting 16-for-30 in that time. C Nikola Pekovic has averaged 23.5 points in his past six games. New Orleans G Jrue Holiday is coming off a 31-point effort in Monday's victory over Portland. F Ryan Anderson is averaging 19.9 points per game and F Anthony Davis 19.5. He averages a league-best 3.2 blocks per game.

Numbers: New Orleans is 2-9 on the road vs. Western Conference teams. The Wolves are 3-4 at home vs. the West. Minnesota has won six of the past 10 meetings between the teams.

Injuries: Wolves F Chase Budinger (knee) and C Ronny Turiaf (elbow) are out. Pelicans F/C Jason Smith (left shoulder, missed the Pelicans' last game) and G Eric Gordon (right hip, has missed two games) both are listed as day-to-day.

KENT YOUNGBLOOD