7 p.m. vs. L.A. Lakers • FSN, 830-AM
Lakers — well, some of them — await
Preview: The Lakers again are missing three starters, just as they were for last week's 121-104 loss to the Wolves on Christmas at Target Center. Only this time, Brandon Ingram is back and guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is out while he serves a 25-day jail sentence that allows him out to play games and practice but only in the state of California. He violated probation by failing to comply with drug and alcohol screenings. Rookie sensation Lonzo Ball did not make the trip to Houston and Minnesota. He and veteran center Brook Lopez remain out injured. … The Lakers have lost five consecutive games and nine of their past 10 after Sunday's 148-142 double-overtime game at Houston that was for them, like the Wolves, the first of back-to-back games.
Players to watch: Lakers rookie Kyle Kuzma was the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for October/November and in December became the first Lakers rookie to score 25 or more points in three consecutive games since Jerry West did so in 1960-61. … Lakers forward Julius Randle made his first start of the season — as an undersized center — in Friday's 121-106 loss to the Clippers and had eight points, seven rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. He got better by Sunday, putting up 29 points, 15 rebounds and six assists.
Injuries: Wolves G Jeff Teague (sprained MCL) is out. Ball (shoulder sprain), Lopez, (ankle sprain) and Pope (personal) all are out.
JERRY ZGODA
