Preview: The Clippers had won three consecutive games and five of their past six entering Saturday's late home game against Denver. At 18-9, they led Phoenix by two games in the Pacific Division and were fourth overall in the West. … The Clippers have won the past seven meetings between the teams, and they lead the season series 2-0, having won 109-107 at Staples Center on Nov. 11 and 102-98 at Target Center nine days later. The Wolves haven't beaten them in L.A. since Feb. 28, 2012. … The teams conclude the series March 31 at Target Center.

Players to watch: The Clippers' tag team of Chris Paul and Blake Griffin has combined for 38 double-doubles this season, the most by two players on the same team in the NBA this season. The Timberwolves' Kevin Love and Nikola Pekovic are next, with 36 combined double-doubles. Only three times in the Clippers' first 27 games did neither Paul nor Griffin register a double-double in a game, and they've won all three. … Clippers center DeAndre Jordan's 14-point, 20-rebound, five-block game against New Orleans on Wednesday was his seventh double-double in his past 11 games. He's grabbed 20 or more rebounds twice this season, after having done that three times in his previous five seasons. He is fourth in the league in blocked shots, at 2.19 a game.

Did you know? The Clippers are 12-0 this season when they score 104 or more points.

Injuries: Wolves C Ronny Turiaf (elbow) and F Chase Budinger (knee surgery) are progressing toward their returns but remain out. Clippers G J.J. Redick (fractured hand/torn wrist ligament), G Reggie Bullock (sprained ankle) and G Maalik Wayns (knee) are listed as out.

JERRY ZGODA