Gameday: Wolves vs. Utah

Last update: February 25, 2008 - 11:40 PM

Preview: What a time to get a big dose of the Utah Jazz. Tonight's game is the first of four games vs. the Jazz in five weeks. Utah might not have made the high-profile moves of such Western Conference rivals as the Lakers, Mavericks or Suns. All the Jazz has done is win 18 of 21 games while surging to the top of the Northwest Division.

Players to watch: Guard Deron Williams has 32 double-doubles. Forward Carlos Boozer leads Jazz in scoring (21.5 points per game) and rebounding (10.8) and has 39 double-doubles; his matchup with Al Jefferson should be a treat. Another matchup to look for: Backup forwards Paul Millsap of Utah and Craig Smith of the Wolves -- both second-round picks in 2006.

Numbers: If the Jazz has an Achilles' heel, it is its 12-17 road record. But then, the Jazz is 23-16 all-time in Minnesota. Utah has won six of the past eight meetings. Wolves guard Sebastian Telfair got his 1,000th career assist Sunday.

Injuries: Neither team reports any injuries.

KENT YOUNGBLOOD

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