Wolves-L.A. Clippers game preview

Last update: November 23, 2009 - 5:53 AM

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Preview: The Clippers -- 106-99 winners over Denver at home on Friday -- are 5-9 and still playing without No. 1 draft pick Blake Griffin, who hasn't appeared yet this season because of an injured kneecap. ... The Clippers defeated the Wolves 93-90 at Staples Center on Nov. 2. Clippers center Chris Kaman had 25 points and 11 rebounds in that one. ... Clippers second-year guard Eric Gordon practiced Sunday, but is expected to miss his eighth consecutive game because of a groin injury. Former Timberwolf Ricky Davis started for him alongside Baron Davis in the backcourt on Friday, but played fewer than 11 minutes.

Players to watch: Kaman, finally healthy once again, has stepped forward with Griffin out and is averaging 20.9 points and 8.5 rebounds in a season start that earned him a Western Conference Player of the Week honor earlier this month. ... Former Timberwolves Craig Smith and Sebastian Telfair come off the Clippers' bench and each plays about 16 minutes a game. Smith is wearing goggles for the time being to protect a scratched eye.

Numbers: Timberwolves reserves scored 25 of the team's 37 first-half points Saturday at Portland. The Wolves trailed by three at halftime, led by two four minutes into the third quarter and lost by 28. ... The Blazers' 66 second-half points were the most they have scored in any half this season.

Injuries: Wolves F Kevin Love (fractured left hand) and Clippers Griffin (kneecap stress fracture), Gordon (groin) and Kareem Rush (torn ACL) are all listed as out.

JERRY ZGODA

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