Wolves gameday

Last update: April 12, 2007 - 9:43 PM

Preview: Unlike the Mavericks on Wednesday, the San Antonio Spurs still have something to play for. The Spurs' victory over Sacramento on Wednesday -- the team's fifth in a row -- pulled them within two games of Phoenix for the second-best record in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Wolves' loss Wednesday pushed them into a three-way tie (with New York and Sacramento) for the eighth-worst record in the league.

Players to watch: Michael Finley has scored in double figures in nine of his past 10 games for the Spurs, averaging 14.3 points in that time. Tim Duncan is coming off a 26-point, 13-rebound, four-block and two-steal effort against Sacramento. ... Rookie Craig Smith will make his second consecutive start for the Wolves; he has shot 56.8 percent from the field since March 1.

By the numbers: San Antonio has won 24 of its past 27 games. It has scored 100 or more in seven of the past 10 and shot better than 55 percent in the past two games.

Injuries: For the Wolves, forward Kevin Garnett (quadriceps) and guard Troy Hudson (knee) are out. The Spurs report no injuries.

KENT YOUNGBLOOD

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