WOLF110607.PRE

Wolves gameday

Last update: November 5, 2007 - 9:49 PM

Preview: Another Eastern Conference opponent, another formidable front court. The Wolves will try to break into the victory column against a 2-1 Orlando team featuring forwards Hedo Turkoglu, Rashard Lewis and Dwight Howard, who are averaging about 60 points a game between them. Orlando is 21-15 all-time vs. the Timberwolves, but the Wolves hold a 10-8 edge at home.

Player to watch: A lot of folks laughed when the Magic threw that six-year, $110 million contract at Lewis. But the early returns show he is the outside yin to Howard's yang, forcing teams to account for both. Wolves fans should know all about Lewis' ability to take a game over from his days with Seattle. The last time he was in Target Center was last March, when he scored 21 points in the final 12 minutes as the Wolves blew a 25-point lead in a 114-106 loss to the Sonics.

Numbers: The Wolves are averaging only 17 points on 28.9 percent shooting in the fourth quarter of their first two games. ... This is the first time the Wolves have started 0-2 since the 1994-95 season, when they started 0-6 to start a 1-13 November. ... The Wolves were outscored 30-6 from the free-throw line Sunday, the worst deficit for the Wolves since March 30, 2001. In their first two games, the Wolves have been outscored 58-20 from the free-throw line this season.

Injuries: C Theo Ratliff (flu) and F Gerald Green (toe) missed Monday's practice and will be re-evaluated today. G Randy Foye (knee) is out. For the Magic, Tony Battie (shoulder surgery) is out.

KENT YOUNGBLOOD