Three things to watch for this week

• Martin Perez has struggled in shorter stints, but he is slated to get a chance to make his first start for the Twins on Monday against Toronto.

• No. 2 seeds Toronto and Denver lost their NBA playoff openers at home over the weekend — to Orlando and San Antonio. They'll try to avoid disaster on Tuesday in Game 2.

• The Gophers baseball team hosts Oklahoma in a three-game series over the weekend. Friday and Sunday are at Siebert Field; Saturday is at Target Field. The extended forecast looks baseball-worthy.