Wolves gameday

Last update: January 5, 2009 - 11:04 PM

Preview: Al Jefferson was named the NBA's Western Conference Player of the Week on Monday for averaging 27.3 points and 12.3 rebounds while leading the Wolves to a 3-1 record last week. That's the third time in his career and second as a Wolf. ... Tonight the Wolves can win three in a row for the first time since Jan. 12-15, 2006. They beat Memphis 108-98 in overtime at Target Center last week. Jefferson had 38 points and 16 rebounds in that one. ... The Grizzlies beat Dallas on Sunday, their first victory over the Mavs since 2004, a span of 13 games.

Players to watch: Ryan Gomes is averaging 16.4 points per game in the past five. He has 59 points in the past three games. Like Jefferson, Grizzlies rookie O.J. Mayo has been a go-to player all season. He is first among NBA rookies in scoring with a 19.7 per game average, a mark that puts him in the top 25 overall.

Numbers: Memphis is 9-10 at home this season, and 2-13 on the road. ... Minnesota is 37-15 all-time against the Grizzlies. ... Wolves guard Mike Miller averaged 14.6 points per game in five-plus seasons in Memphis before being traded.

Injuries: Guard Kevin Ollie (dislocated elbow) is out for at least three weeks, and Corey Brewer is out for the season after ACL surgery. Grizzlies F/C Darko Milicic (hand) is out.

BRIAN STENSAAS

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