Wolves gameday
6 P.M. at Philadelphia • fsn, 830-am
Preview: Slowly returning to health, the Timberwolves, with Kevin Martin back, ended a 10-game home losing streak with Wednesday's victory over Boston. They will now try for their first winning streak of the season. Like the Wolves, the 76ers have 37 losses, but they too are coming off a victory, beating Detroit by 20 at home Wednesday.
Players to watch: Wolves G Martin scored 21 points in his return, 12 in the fourth quarter. G Zach LaVine is coming off a 17-point, six-assist game. C/F Gorgui Dieng has averaged 13.5 rebounds and two blocks his past four games. Philadelphia G Michael Carter-Williams (15.3 points per game, 7.2 assists per game), last year's NBA Rookie of the Year, is playing in the Rising Stars Challenge. F Robert Covington had 19 points vs. Detroit.
Numbers: The 76ers' victory at Target Center Dec. 3 was their first of the season after starting the season 0-17. Since that winless start, they are 9-20. Only two of their nine victories have come against the Western Conference.
Injuries: Wolves G Ricky Rubio (ankle), F Robbie Hummel (broken hand) and F Shabazz Muhammad (oblique) are out. G Mo Williams, away from the team for personal reasons, will meet the team in Philadelphia. He is probable. 76ers C Joel Embiid (right foot), G/F Jason Richardson (left knee) and G Tony Wroten (right knee) are out. Former Wolves F Andrei Kirilenko is not with the team.
Kent Youngblood
