8 p.m. vs. New Orleans • Target Center • FSN, 830-AM

Back-to-back ends, homestand begins

Preview: The Wolves, coming off a loss Friday in Boston, start a five-game homestand by playing on the back end of back-to-back games; the team is 3-4 in such games this season. It could prove to be a crucial homestand for Minnesota, which will face teams currently in playoff position in four of the five games. The Pelicans broke a two-game losing streak with a 10-point victory at Utah on Wednesday night. The Pelicans will have had two days off since that win.

Players to watch: Wolves G Jimmy Butler has averaged 21 points in two games vs. New Orleans this season, both victories. F Andrew Wiggins has averaged 23 points on 19-for-39 shooting. Pelicans C DeMarcus Cousins has averaged 26.0 points and 9.5 rebounds in two games vs. the Wolves this season. PG Jrue Holiday has averaged 21.1 and 4.2 assists in his past 10 games. F Anthony Davis, who enters the game averaging 25.9 points, has been held to 20.5 in two games vs. Minnesota.

Numbers: The Wolves won both games between the teams in New Orleans this year, the first time that's happened since the 2004-05 season. New Orleans has won four of the past five games played at Target Center. The Wolves and Pelicans are both entered Friday in the top seven in scoring in the league, but New Orleans is 28th in the league in points allowed (110.9), Minnesota 13th (105.7).

Injuries: Wolves G Jeff Teague (knee) is out; Pelicans C Alexis Ajinca (right knee), F Tony Allen (left fibula fracture), F Solomon Hill (left hamstring tear) and G Frank Jackson (right foot) are out.

Kent Youngblood