Gameday: Wolves vs. San Antonio

Last update: February 21, 2008 - 12:36 AM

Preview: The Spurs, in a smaller way, answered trades Western Conference foes Phoenix, the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas made in recent days by dealing the expiring contracts of Francisco Elson and Brent Barry and a 2009 first-round draft pick to Seattle on Wednesday for veteran forward Kurt Thomas ... The Spurs clobbered Charlotte 85-65 in a game new Spurs guard Damon Stoudemire described as the "post All-Star break blues." Just think what happens when they get Tony Parker back and really get going. The Wolves are 0-2 this season against the Spurs.

Player to watch: Tim Duncan's a nice little player, but ... how 'bout that Manu Ginobili? He has averaged 26.5 points in two victories over the Wolves. Regularly the team's sixth man, he has started the past nine games with Parker sidelined because of an ankle inflammation. Ginobili leads the team in scoring with a 20.0 average and also is averaging five rebounds and 4.6 assists.

Injuries: Wolves center Theo Ratliff said he expects to play tonight for the first time since the season's seventh game, which he left because of a knee injury. For the Spurs, Parker has missed the last nine games because of his injured ankle.

JERRY ZGODA

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