wolves gameday

7 P.M. VS. houston • target center • fsn-830-am

Preview: The Wolves, losers of six of seven, enter a difficult stretch of five games vs. Western Conference contenders in eight nights. They lost to lowly Philadelphia on Wednesday while the Rockets (14-4) were handing Memphis only its third loss of the season. And they did it without injured center Dwight Howard and forward Terrence Jones. Kevin McHale-coached Houston is fourth in the West.

Players to watch: Wolves C Gorgui Dieng is coming off a 15-point, 16-rebound game vs. Philadelphia. But the starting backcourt of Corey Brewer and Mo Williams combined to shoot 8-for-25. Houston G James Harden has scored 21 points or more in six of seven games, averaging 27.0 points per game in that stretch. He had 23 points and 10 assists in Houston's 113-101 victory over the Wolves in Mexico City on Nov. 12.

Injuries: Wolves G Mo Williams (back) and F Shabazz Muhammad (ankle) are questionable. For Houston, Howard (right knee) is doubtful. G Pat Beverley (hamstring), F Isaiah Canaan (left ankle) and Jones (left leg) are out.

kent youngblood