Preview: The Kings' 120-95 drubbing of Boston at home on Friday ended a three-game losing streak and a stretch in which they had lost seven of nine games. And they did it without former Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans (sprained ankle), Francisco Garcia (sprained wrist) and J.J. Hickson (DNP-Coach's Decision). But they did have leading scorer Marcus Thornton, who put 36 points on the Celtics. The 120 points were the most the Kings have scored this season and the most Boston has allowed. ... The Kings, believe it or not, are in the middle of a nine-game homestand, the longest in franchise history. ... The Timberwolves have won the first two meetings this season, both at Target Center, by 13 points and by two.
Players to watch: Second-year center DeMarcus Cousins, whom the Kings drafted fifth overall in 2010 after the Wolves took Wes Johnson fourth, leads the NBA in offensive rebounding (4.3 a game, 179 total) and charges taken (34). He's also fourth overall in rebounding (11.1 a game) and has 26 double-doubles. (Kevin Love has 37). Cousins also is averaging 16.6 points a game.
Injuries: Wolves F Michael Beasley has missed two games because of an injured toe but said Friday he expects to play against the Kings. G Ricky Rubio will have surgery Wednesday in Vail, Colo., to repair a season-ending torn ACL. Evans and Garcia are both listed as day-to-day for the Kings.
