Wolves gameday

Last update: October 27, 2009 - 11:20 PM

Preview: The Timberwolves open their 21st season with a lot of question marks: Will Kevin Love return sooner than expected from a hand injury? Will Al Jefferson find his form and fitness soon? Will rookie Jonny Flynn fill the void at point guard and provide a little sizzle to the Wolves' attack? Is Kurt Rambis the answer at coach? Will some of David Kahn's less-heralded acquisitions surprise? The answers will come over the course of the season, but the opener -- against a pretty thin New Jersey Nets team tonight -- should tell us at least a little something.

Player to watch: Corey Brewer returns tonight, and will start, after spending most of last season on the sidelines because of a knee injury. Brewer, who played only 15 games before suffering a torn ACL in late November 2008, was solid in the preseason and is on the cusp of a key season in his development. In the preseason, he led the team in minutes played (27) and points per game (15.3) while making 40 percent of his three-pointers (8-for-20) in eight starts.

Numbers: Minnesota is 12-8 on opening night. The Wolves won last year's season opener 98-96 over Sacramento. The Wolves were 3-5 in the preseason, with victories over Detroit, Chicago and Milwaukee.

Injuries: For the Wolves, Love is out; Jefferson, who missed the final three preseason games because of flu-like symptoms, is expected to play. Rookie guards Flynn and Wayne Ellington missed practice Tuesday because of Illness. ... Nets C Josh Boone (right ankle) is probable, F Tony Battie (right knee) and G Keyon Dooling (hip surgery) are out.

MARK WOLLEMANN

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