wolves gameday

Last update: January 31, 2008 - 8:41 PM

Preview: Rookie Al Thornton's career-high 33 points while ill helped the depleted Clippers break a three-game losing streak and win 95-88 at home over Atlanta on Wednesday night. Star Elton Brand (Achilles' tendon) and Shaun Livingston (dislocated left knee) haven't played all season and center Chris Kaman and Corey Maggette are listed as questionable for tonight's game because they have been ill. Kaman is third in the league in rebounding (13.9), blocks (3.0) and fifth in double-doubles (29), but has missed the past three games ... The Clippers ended a six-game losing streak by beating the Wolves 91-82 at Staples Center on Dec. 31.

Player to watch: Former Wolves guard Sam Cassell returns to Target Center with trade rumors that would reunite him with Kevin Garnett, this time in Boston, quieted. He has scored in double figures in five consecutive games, and is averaging 13.3 points and 4.6 assists in 30 games this season.

Numbers: Al Jefferson's final two points during Wednesday's 26-point night gave him exactly 3,000 for his career. "I didn't even realize that," he said. "Three thousand points, that's a lot of points in my fourth year."

Injuries: Brand last week was cleared to begin running and jumping exercises but his return from an Achilles' injury remains uncertain. Wolves C Theo Ratliff (knee surgery) could return to practice within days.

JERRY ZGODA