Gameday preview: Brooklyn at Wolves

Preview: Both teams will be playing on the back end of back-to-back games; the Nets played at Denver on Friday night. It continues an arduous stretch for the Timberwolves, who will begin another back-to-back Monday in Charlotte.

Players to watch: The Wolves got double-doubles from both C Karl-Anthony Towns (24 points, 10 rebounds) and F Gorgui Dieng (20 and 10) in a 100-85 victory in Brooklyn Dec. 20, the Wolves' second-biggest road victory this season. F/G Andrew Wiggins had 16 points in that game. The Nets starting lineup includes two former Wolves: F Thaddeus Young (15.0 points, 9.2 rebounds per game) and G Wayne Ellington (7.8 ppg). C Brook Lopez leads the team in scoring (20.6 ppg).

Numbers: The Wolves have split their past four home games. But they have defeated both Boston and Toronto at home in recent games. The Nets had lost four straight and four of six games entering Friday. The Wolves have won nine of their past 13 games vs. the Nets.

Injuries: Wolves F Kevin Garnett (knee), C Nikola Pekovic (foot/heel) and F Nemanja Bjelica (foot) are out. Nets G Jarrett Jack (knee) and F Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (ankle) are out.