Timberwolves-Denver game preview

Wolves seek third consecutive road victory

Preview: The Nuggets (43-22) have had three days off since losing by 17 points at Golden State on Friday. It was Denver's fourth loss in five games; Denver remains second in the West. Denver's 27 home wins are the most in the Western Conference. For the Timberwolves (32-35), struggling on the road all season at 9-25, this is the start of a three-game road trip against three Western Conference teams in the playoff picture in Denver, Utah (sixth in the West) and Houston (third).

Players to watch: Wolves F Taj Gibson is coming off a season-high 25 points vs. New York. G Jeff Teague had a 20-point, 10-assist double-double vs. the Knicks. He has averaged 9.2 assists his past five games. Rookie F Keita Bates-Diop had a career-high 18 points Sunday and has scored in double figures in two straight games, both starts. Nuggets C Nikola Jokic had a triple-double vs. the Wolves Feb. 2. G Malik Beasley has averaged 16.5 points and shot nearly 69 percent vs. the Wolves this season.

Numbers: Minnesota is 0-2 vs. Denver this season, with the two losses by a total of three points; nine of the past 11 games between the teams have been decided by six or fewer points. The Wolves have lost five straight road games. Their nine road wins are third fewest in the West. Sunday was the first time in 16 games the Wolves held their opponent under 100 points.

Injuries: Wolves C Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) and F Andrew Wiggins (quad) are questionable; F Luol Deng (Achilles) and F/G Robert Covington (bone bruise) are out. Denver F Michael Porter Jr. (back surgery) and F Trey Lyles (hamstring) are out.