Wolves-Celtics game preview

Last update: January 24, 2008 - 11:24 PM

Preview: The Wolves go from beating the best of the West to facing the beast of the East. That alone would make this a difficult trip. That it's Kevin Garnett's first game against his former team, and that the Celtics are coming off a home loss -- their first loss in the Atlantic Division? A challenge to say the least. The Wolves are coming off their first back-to-back victories in nearly a year.

Players to watch: Ryan Gomes has averaged 19.6 points and 57 percent shooting in his past nine games. G Marko Jaric is averaging 15.3 points and 6.7 assists in his past three games. Paul Pierce leads the Celtics in scoring (20.4). He averaged 28 points in two games vs. the Wolves last season.

Numbers: The Wolves are starting games better, having scored 30 or more first-quarter points in four games in a row. The Wolves are sixth in the league with an average of 43.4 points per game in the paint. Eight of the Wolves' next 11 games will be vs. Eastern Conference teams. The Celtics have surpassed 100 points in four consecutive games, and have yet to lose to a Western Conference team (11-0).

Injuries: For the Wolves, G Randy Foye (knee) and C Theo Ratliff (knee) are out. For Boston, F James Posey is listed as day-to-day because of a sprained finger, but Boston coach Doc Rivers said Posey would likely not play tonight.

KENT YOUNGBLOOD