wolves gameday
8 P.M. at UTAH • FSN PLUS, 830-AM
Preview: Every Lakers fan has just become a Timberwolves fan, too. The Lakers are battling the Jazz for the West's final playoff spot, and Utah plays the Wolves twice in its final three games. Even one little Wolves victory — either Friday or Monday back home at Target Center — would increase the Lakers' odds. The Lakers lead the Jazz by a game, but Utah holds the tiebreaker. … Utah has won the past six meetings against the Wolves in Salt Lake City.
Players to watch: Former Wolves C Al Jefferson was named Western Conference player of the week two weeks ago, right before Nikola Pekovic became the first Timberwolf since Big Al in January 2009 to win the honor. Among NBA centers, Jefferson ranks first in field-goal attempts, second in points per game (17.4), third in field-goals made, seventh in steals and defensive rebounds and eighth in assists. … Former Wolves guard Randy Foye, a Utah starter at shooting guard, has made a career-high 170 three-pointers and is shooting 40.8 percent from behind the arc.
Injuries: Wolves F Kevin Love (hand), G Brandon Roy (knees) and G Malcolm Lee (hip, knee) are out. Utah C Enes Kanter (dislocated shoulder) is out.
JERRY ZGODA
