Rest time hard to find for Timberwolvs since All-Star break

DETROIT – Since the All-Star break, the Timberwolves have had little time to rest.

Wednesday night was their third set of back-to-back games since the break.

They will have another set of consecutive games this weekend, but both of those will be at home.

There is relief in sight, however. Following this weekend, the Wolves will have only two sets of back to backs the rest of the season.

Interim coach Ryan Saunders said he has been in close contact with the medical staff and with players on how to handle minutes.

"You see what guys have been through it before," he said. "Both veterans and then also the guys who are playing heavier minutes, ask them how their legs are and try to read off that. A lot of it is based off feel."

The Wolves haven't been successful navigating games on no rest this season.

Center Karl-Anthony Towns is in line to receive a pay bump on the maximum extension he signed if he makes the All-NBA team this season. Towns can make an additional $6 million per season if he makes a second All-NBA team while on his rookie contract.

His strong play of late (34.3 points per game in his past six games) is helping his candidacy.

Saunders said Towns deserves that honor.

"I'll never comment on players' money and things involving that, but I'll say that Karl deserves to be an All-NBA player with the level that he has played at," Saunders said.

Saunders said the possibility to earn extra money hasn't distracted Towns.