Preview: After having a two-game winning streak stopped in Boston, the Wolves will try to get back to .500 against a Cavaliers team that has lost three in a row and seven of eight. Both teams have played much of the season without key players.
Preview: Wolves vs. Cleveland
December 7, 2012 at 4:35AM
Players to watch: Wolves G J.J. Barea has scored in double figures in three consecutive games. G Luke Ridnour has scored 10 or more in five in a row. C Nikola Pekovic has averaged 12.2 points and 9.6 rebounds the past five games. Cleveland C Anderson Varejao is averaging 15 points and a league-leading 15.4 rebounds per game. F Alonzo Gee (11.9) and G Jeremy Pargo (11.5) also average in double figures.
Numbers: Cleveland has allowed opponents 100.8 points per game, seventh most in the league. Cleveland won the only meeting between the teams last season.
Injuries: For the Wolves, PG Ricky Rubio (knee surgery), F Chase Budinger (knee surgery) and G Brandon Roy (knee surgery) are out. F Andrei Kirilenko (back spasms) is questionable. Cleveland G Kyrie Irving (finger fracture) will miss his ninth game and rookie G Dion Waiters (ankle) is questionable.
KENT YOUNGBLOOD
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Golden State scored the first 13 points of the game and led by 24, but Minnesota tied it in the fourth quarter.
