wolves gameday

7 P.M. VS. L.A. Clippers • Target Center • FSN, 830-AM

Preview: While the Wolves lost at Washington on Tuesday, the Clippers waited in Minneapolis, ready to start a quick two-game Midwestern trip that will end Thursday at Oklahoma City. They're 7-4 and had a four-game winning streak end with Monday's home loss to Memphis 106-102. … The Clippers beat the Wolves 109-107 in Los Angeles nine days ago, when the Wolves had three shots — including a layup and a tip — in the final three seconds that would have forced overtime but missed. … The Clippers have won the past six meetings between the teams, including the past three at Target Center. They won two January meetings there last season, 90-77 and 96-90 just 13 days later.

Players to watch: Clippers three-time All-Star forward Blake Griffin was named Western Conference player of the week for averaging 25.7 points, 11.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists while helping lead the Clippers to a 3-0 record last week. He won the award one other time in December 2012. … Clippers point guard Chris Paul has started the season with 11 consecutive point-assist double-double games, a franchise record that ties Magic Johnson's NBA record for most consecutive such games to start a season. Johnson did it in the 1990-91 season.

Injuries: Wolves C Ronny Turiaf (elbow) and F Chase Budinger (knee surgery) are out and F/G Shabazz Muhammad (sprained ankle) is questionable. Clippers G Maalik Wayns (torn meniscus) is out.

JERRY ZGODA