Preview: Wolves vs. Nets

March 29, 2009 at 12:22AM

Preview: Long ago eliminated from playoff contention, the Timberwolves today take on a Nets team that, barely, remains in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt. New Jersey seemingly is up against the right opponent to get back into the mix. The last time these two teams met Dec. 5, seven Nets players scored in double digits in a 113-84 rout. While the Wolves (losers of 13 of 15 games this month) have been reduced to starting some reserves in recent games, the Nets (losers of three in a row) got a big boost when guard Devin Harris returned to the lineup Friday night after missing five games because of a sprained shoulder.

Players to watch: Wolves guard Randy Foye played 30 minutes off the bench Friday but has made only six of his last 26 shots. Nets center Brook Lopez is one double-double shy of the team record for rookie centers.

Numbers: The Wolves are 14-4 all-time at home against the Nets and have won five in a row over New Jersey at Target Center dating to Feb. 25, 2004. ... After recording a double-double in seven of 10 games, Wolves rookie forward Kevin Love has not done so in three consecutive games.

Injuries: Wolves forward Corey Brewer and center Al Jefferson are out for the season following surgery to repair torn ACLs. Nets forward Eduardo Najera (hernia) is out.

BRIAN STENSAAS

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