7 p.m. vs. Miami • Target Center • FSN (830-AM)
Preview: After a stretch in which they won five of six games, the Timberwolves have lost three in a row, including Saturday's 107-99 loss in the opener of a six-game homestand to a Memphis team resting three key players. It doesn't get any easier. Despite a 21-30 record, Miami is the NBA's hottest team, having won 10 consecutive games. It is the longest winning streak in NBA history by a team that was at least 19 games below .500 when it started. The Wolves have won three of their past four games vs. Miami.
Players to watch: Wolves C Karl-Anthony Towns has 10 consecutive double-doubles and 30 in 32 games. F/G Andrew Wiggins has scored 20 or more points in a career-best nine consecutive games. F Shabazz Muhammad has averaged 14.3 points on 51.7-percent shooting over the past eight games. F Gorgui Dieng is in a mini-slump, having shot 7-for-26 in his past four games. The Miami backcourt of Dion Waiters and Goran Dragic has combined to average 44.1 points, 11.4 assists and 8.9 rebounds during the winning streak. C Hassan Whiteside and backup Willie Reed are the second-highest scoring and rebounding duo in the league, combining for 41.2 points and 19.5 rebounds per game.
Injuries: Wolves G Zach LaVine (ACL tear, left knee) and F Adreian Payne (illness) are out. G Kris Dunn (right hand) is questionable. Miami F Chris Bosh (blood clots), F Josh McRoberts (left foot), F Justise Winslow (right shoulder) and G Josh Richardson (left foot) are out.
Kent Youngblood
