Wolves-Magic game preview

January 16, 2018 at 11:06PM
Karl-Anthony Towns, front left, and the Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard, front right, go after the ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018, in Minneapolis.
Karl-Anthony Towns, front left, and the Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard, front right, go after the ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018, in Minneapolis. (Mike Nelson — Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

6 p.m. at Orlando • Amway Center • FSN, 830-AM

Magic among league's worst on home court

Preview: The Timberwolves just completed the second 5-0 homestand in franchise history and have won 12 of their past 15 games. The next challenge: Beat an Eastern Conference team on the road, something they've done just two times in seven games this season. The Wolves are 23-6 vs. the West, but just 6-10 vs. the East. With 29 wins, the Wolves are within two victories of matching their total from last season. The Magic is in free fall, having lost seven straight and 16 of 17. Orlando's 12-31 record is second worst in the NBA and their seven home wins is tied for the lowest total in the league.

Players to watch: Guard Jimmy Butler has been the Wolves' top scorer in 11 of the past 15 games. Guard Jeff Teague matched his season high with 22 points Sunday against Portland. Center Karl-Anthony Towns had double-doubles in all five games during the homestand. The Magic is led by guard Evan Fournier (17.6 points, 2.9 assists per game) and forward Jonathon Simmons (14.8 ppg).

Injuries: The Wolves report no injuries. Orlando F Jonathan Isaac (ankle), F Terrence Ross (knee) and F/C Nikola Vucevic (left hand) are out.

about the writer

about the writer

Kent Youngblood

Reporter

Kent Youngblood has covered sports for the Minnesota Star Tribune for more than 20 years.

See Moreicon

More from Wolves

See More
card image
Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune

The Wolves didn’t appear engaged at either end of the floor and lost for the third time in four games.

card image
card image