7 p.m. vs. L.A. Clippers • Target Center • FSN, 830-AM
Preview: The Clippers have won consecutive games and 15 of their last 17 after winning 118-107 at Houston on Saturday night. They lost in New Orleans and won at Dallas and Houston in the first three on a five-game trip that ends Wednesday in Phoenix. By winning Saturday, they clinched their third consecutive playoff appearance and are 52-22 and firmly in third place in the West. … The Clippers have won the past eight meetings between the teams and are 3-0 in a season series that ends Monday. Those three games have been decided by a total of 10 points.
Players to watch: Clippers All-Star point guard Chris Paul had 30 points, 12 assists and three steals in Saturday's victory and he is the seventh player in NBA history to reach 6,000 career assists before the end of his ninth season. The others: Jason Kidd, John Stockton, Magic Johnson, Norm Nixon, Oscar Robertson and Isiah Thomas. … Clippers All Star Blake Griffin played little more than six minutes Saturday in Houston because of back spasms and is doubtful for Monday's game. He is averaging 24 points, 9.6 rebounds and shooting 53.2 percent from the field.
Injuries: Wolves C Ronny Turiaf (knee bone bruise) is out. Griffin is doubtful for the Clippers, G J.J. Redick (back) and F Danny Granger (hamstring) are out.
JERRY ZGODA
