Wolves gameday

7 P.M. VS. Cleveland • ESPN, 830-AM

Preview: The 24-9 Cavaliers started a six-game road trip with a 121-115 victory at Washington on Wednesday and conclude it with games at Philadelphia, Dallas, San Antonio and Houston. They've won their past five games and 11 of their past 13, giving them the best record in the East by three games over Chicago. … The Cavs have won 13 of the past 18 meetings between the teams, and are 7-3 at Target Center in that time. They swept last year's two-game season series, winning by an average of 18.5 points. … Cleveland is 6-3 against Western Conference opponents this season and 20-4 in their past 24 regular-season games against Western teams. … Since Dec. 11, the Cavaliers are second in the league in points allowed (91.3 ppg) and opponent's field-goal percentage (.422).

Players to watch: Wolves young star Andrew Wiggins averaged 30 points — 27 at Cleveland, then a career-high 33 at Target Center – during last season's two games. … Cavs superstar LeBron James' 34-point, 10-rebound night at Washington was his 300th career double-double game and the 90th game of at least 30 points and 10 rebounds. He averaged 30 points on 53.7 percent shooting (including 46.7 on threes), five rebounds, four assists and two blocks in 37 minutes played in two games against the Wolves last season. … Former Wolves star Kevin Love is averaging 16.2 points and 10.6 rebounds this season and had a double-double in both games against the Wolves last season. He averaged 17 points, 13.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in those two victories. … Cavs point guard Kyrie Irving has played nine games since returning from knee surgery. He's scored 20 or more points in three of the past four games and is averaging 28.5 points, including 14 in fourth quarters, on 63.2 percent shooting the past two games.

Injuries: Wolves C Nikola Pekovic scored 12 points in 16 minutes during Wednesday's 78-74 home loss to Denver, his first game played since March 11 last season. He practiced fully Thursday and is no longer listed on the team's daily injury reports. Wiggins practiced with his left non-shooting hand taped to protect a jammed wrist sustained against the Nuggets, but he said he's fine and ready to play. … Cavaliers guard Joe Harris (right foot soreness) is out.

JERRY ZGODA