wolves gameday
7 P.M. VS. San Antonio • Target Center •FSN-Plus, 830-AM
Preview: Finally a game originally scheduled to be played Dec. 4 in Mexico City — postponed because of smoke in the arena — will get played. Perhaps it's not the best time. The Spurs had a 19-game winning streak that started Feb. 26 and ran through April 2. That streak ended Thursday at Oklahoma City, but the Spurs come to Target Center, after a victory Sunday over Memphis, with the best record in the NBA and the best road record in the league (29-9). On the other hand, the Spurs will be without guard Tony Parker — always a troublesome player for the Wolves — who left the Memphis game because of back spasms. He was scheduled to get an MRI Monday. The Wolves are coming off an injury-riddled split of a two-game road trip at Miami (double-overtime win) and Orlando (loss).
Players to watch: Wolves F Kevin Love has scored 56 points in two games vs. San Antonio this season. PG Ricky Rubio is averaging 15.0 points (on 44 percent shooting) and 10.3 assists in three April games. C Gorgui Dieng has averaged 12 points and 10.8 rebounds in his past 12 games. Spurs F Kawhi Leonard is coming off a 12-for-13, 26-point performance against Memphis, matching his career high.
Numbers: The Wolves had lost 16 straight to the Spurs before a victory in January 2012. Since then the Wolves have beaten the Spurs three other times and lost five.
Injuries: Wolves F Kevin Love (back spasms) is probable. G Kevin Martin (right foot) is doubtful. F Shabazz Muhammad (right knee), F Chase Budinger (right ankle) and C Nikola Pekovic (right ankle) are out. Spurs G Tony Parker (back spasms) and C Aron Baynes (rib) are out.
Kent Youngblood
