7 p.m. at Houston • FSN Plus, 830-AM

The end, and Harden, are near

Preview: The season ends for the Wolves (31-50) after a 100-98 loss to the Russell Westbrook-less Thunder ended their home season Tuesday. The Rockets (54-27) are safely in the playoffs.

Players to watch: Houston has been one of the NBA's top teams behind MVP candidate James Harden. The veteran guard is averaging 29.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 11.2 assists per game. He leads the NBA in assists and is second in scoring. Karl Anthony Towns scored 26 points in the Wolves' loss to OKC and set a team single-season scoring record. He's averaging 25.1 points per game. On Monday the Clippers held Harden to 14 points, well under his 29.3 average. He missed five of six three-pointers. Clippers coach Doc Rivers indicated it wasn't defense that got to him."I think the 81st game that stopped Harden," Rivers said.

Numbers: The Rockets have beaten the Wolves 13 times in the past 15 games. … Houston is playing for the third time in four days, having won Sunday and lost Monday.

Injuries: G Patrick Beverley (shoulder) and F Nene (fingers) are probable for Houston.

Star Tribune Staff