Gameday: Wolves vs. Portland

Last update: January 1, 2008 - 7:22 PM

Preview: The Wolves return from an 0-4 road trip to start a four-game homestand. Portland saw its 13-game winning streak broken Monday, while coach Nate McMillan was away attending a funeral. This will be the second game between the teams, and it comes only five days after Brandon Roy's 22 points helped the Blazers beat the Wolves 109-98 in Portland.

Players to watch: Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge, who scored 21 vs. the Wolves, is coming off a career-high 36-point night; he leads all second-year players in double-doubles (six), rebounds (7.0) and blocked shots (1.3). Roy averaged 17 points and 5.3 assists in three games vs. Minnesota last season. Wolves forward Ryan Gomes has averaged 15.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in his past six games.

Numbers: The Wolves have a winning record when they score 100 points (4-3) but have not won in 23 games scoring fewer than 100. ... The Wolves have lost eight games in which they were tied or led after three quarters. ...The Blazers went 13-2 in December.

Injuries: For the Wolves, guard Randy Foye (knee) and center Theo Ratliff (knee) are out. For Portland, F Darius Miles and C Greg Oden (knee injuries) are out.

KENT YOUNGBLOOD

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