wolves gameday
7 P.M. VS. washington
target center
fsn (830-AM)
Preview: This game is, of course, all about the return of Kevin Garnett. But, considering the opponent, it's basically one big night of reunions. There is Garnett back with the Wolves. Washington coach Randy Wittman was both a Wolves assistant and head coach. Current Wolves coach Flip Saunders used to coach the Wizards. Washington forward Paul Pierce was Garnett's teammate in Boston when the Celtics won an NBA title in 2008. The Wolves are coming off a loss in Houston on Monday, while the Wizards will be playing on the tail end of a back-to-back after hosting Golden State on Tuesday.
Players to watch: Garnett will be playing his first game at Target Center in a Wolves uniform since April 9, 2007. He will start, though his minutes will be limited. F/G Andrew Wiggins is coming off a 30-point performance in Houston. G Ricky Rubio has averaged 14.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 3.0 steals his past three games. C Nikola Pekovic has had double-doubles his past three games. G Kevin Martin has scored 20 points or more in five consecutive games. … Wizards G John Wall is averaging a double-double (17.3 points, 10.1 assists). He had 21 points and a career-high 17 assists in Washington's 109-95 victory over the Wolves on Dec. 16.
Numbers: After an impressive start, the Wizards have lost four consecutive games and nine out of 11 after losing 114-107 to Golden State on Tuesday. The Wolves have won four home games in a row vs. Washington.
Injuries: Wolves F Anthony Bennett (right leg), F Robbie Hummel (broken hand) and F Shabazz Muhammad (broken finger) are out. G Gary Neal (ankle) is questionable. Washington listed G Bradley Beal (right leg) as doubtful for Tuesday's game with Golden State.
kent youngblood
