wolves gameday

7 P.M. VS. San Antonio • Target Center • FSN, 830-AM

Preview: The Timberwolves, 18 days after their last home game, returned to Target Center and ended a five-game losing streak with Wednesday's victory over the listless Knicks. Forging a winning streak will be more difficult. After a 2-3 start to the season, the defending NBA champion Spurs have won five of their past six games. They have won their last two, including Wednesday's 92-90 victory at Cleveland. Despite being shorthanded the Wolves were efficient Wednesday, getting 37 points from Kevin Martin. Shabazz Muhammad responded to being in the starting lineup by scoring 17 points with eight rebounds. Mo Williams had 13 assists.

Players to watch: Martin's 37 points were his most in a Wolves uniform, and his seven three-pointers tied a career high. Martin has scored 71 points his last two games on 26-for-37 shooting. Wednesday was Muhammad's first-ever NBA start. He has averaged 12.8 points on 53.3 percent shooting the last four games. Andrew Wiggins has scored in double figures in four of the last five games. Williams' double-double Wednesday (14 points, 13 assists) was the 50th of his career. Spurs forwards Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard combined for 31 points and 20 rebounds vs. Cleveland. C Boris Diaw had 19 points.

Numbers: The Wolves and Spurs have split the last 10 games, with both teams going 4-1 at home in that stretch. Before that the Wolves had lost 16 in a row vs. San Antonio. Wednesday's victory was the Wolves' first when scoring 100 or more points.

Injuries: Wolves PG Ricky Rubio (left ankle), C Nikola Pekovic (wrist, ankle) and F Thaddeus Young (personal) are out; C Ronny Turiaf (hip) is doubtful. Spurs G Patty Mills (shoulder surgery) and F Tiago Splitter (right calf) are out; G/F Marco Belinelli (groin strain) and F Matt Bonner (stomach virus) are questionable.

kent youngblood