Preview: Wolves vs. Lakers

Preview: The Wolves have won two consecutive games and six of nine and are once again one victory away from reaching the .500 mark. The Lakers had lost five of seven games after their loss Saturday night at Milwaukee. That included consecutive losses at Miami, at Orlando and at home to Indiana. They are 1-7 on the road.

Players to watch: Kevin Love ran his double-double total to 18 vs. the Spurs on Friday with 18 points and 16 rebounds. Also with double-doubles were guard Ricky Rubio, who got his eighth (18 points, 10 assists) and Nikola Pekovic, who got his first of the season (14 points, 10 rebounds). Lakers SG Kobe Bryant leads the league in scoring (30.2). C Andrew Bynum is in the top 10 in the league in rebounds (third), field goal percentage (ninth) and blocks (ninth).

Numbers: The Lakers have won 15 consecutive games vs. the Wolves, by an average of 12.6 points, since the Wolves last won -- in double overtime, in Target Center on March 6, 2007.

Injuries: Wolves PG J.J. Barea (hamstring) and G Malcolm Lee (knee surgery) are out. F Michael Beasley returned after missing 11 games because of a foot sprain to play Friday. C Brad Miller could make his season debut tonight after SG Martell Webster did so Friday. Lakers G Steve Blake (ribs) is doubtful.