Wolves gameday

Last update: January 7, 2008 - 8:03 PM

Preview: It's a matchup between the two teams with the two worst records in the NBA. It's also a homecoming of sorts for former Wolves Ricky Davis and Mark Blount and a rematch of Miami's 91-87 victory in Florida Dec. 17.

Players to watch: Davis has scored 20 or more points in four of his past six games. One big player who apparently will be missing is center Shaquille O'Neal, who went to Los Angeles to seek further medical treatment for a hip injury that has kept him out for five games. "You know, Shaq ain't playing," said Wolves center Al Jefferson, who looked up and said, "Thank God."

Numbers: The eight-game losing streak is the team's longest one-season streak since ending the 1994-95 season on a 10-game skid. ... The Wolves have not had a lead since the first quarter against Portland, a string of 139 minutes and 12 seconds. ... During the eight-game stretch the Wolves have trailed for 315:45 of a possible 384 minutes.

Injuries: For the Wolves, G Randy Foye (knee) and C Theo Ratliff (knee) are out. For Miami, O'Neal (hip), F Dorell Wright (ankle) and C Alonzo Mourning (knee) are out; G Jason Williams (knee) has missed five of the Heat's past six games.

KENT YOUNGBLOOD

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