Preview: The Wolves (5-3), still beat up but bolstered by the addition of veteran Josh Howard, will try to bounce back from their first home loss of the season. Golden State (4-4) is coming off a home victory vs. Atlanta that broke a two-game losing streak.

Players to watch: Wolves forward Andrei Kirilenko is coming off a season-high 26 points vs. Charlotte on Wednesday. He has made 16 of 24 shots the past two games and has three double-doubles in a row. F Dante Cunningham has averaged 11.8 points and 5.8 rebounds the past four games. Golden State rookie F Harrison Barnes is coming off his first NBA double-double, with 19 points and 13 rebounds vs. the Hawks. F David Lee also had a double-double vs. Atlanta. G Stephen Curry leads the Warriors at 17.5 points per game.

Numbers: Barnes is the youngest player (20) to start a season opener for Golden State since Joe Smith in 1995. ... The road team won all three meetings between the teams last season, with the Wolves losing twice at home.

Injuries: Wolves C Nikola Pekovic (ankle), G J.J. Barea (foot) and G Brandon Roy (right knee) are doubtful. For the Warriors, C Andrew Bogut (left ankle surgery) and Brandon Rush (torn left anterior cruciate ligament) are out.

KENT YOUNGBLOOD