7 p.m. vs. Los Angeles Clippers • Target Center • FSN, 830-AM

Clippers’ surge in need of a reboot

Preview: The Wolves are eighth in the Western Conference, a half-game behind San Antonio, Utah and New Orleans. And here come the No. 9 Clippers. They have lost three straight after having pushed themselves into playoff contention by winning 12 of 16 games. But those three losses came against three very good teams — Houston, Portland and Oklahoma City. The Wolves’ schedule eases after this game; of their next five opponents, only Philadelphia owns a winning record. Coincidence or not, the Clippers’ spurt began when they traded star forward Blake Griffin to Detroit.

Players to watch: Wolves G Jeff Teague is coming off a 23-point, 11-assist double-double vs. Houston. He was the team’s only plus player in the game. Backup G Derrick Rose had 14 points — eight in the fourth quarter — vs. Houston, with three assists in 19 minutes of playing time. Clippers F Tobias Harris is averaging 18.6 points. C DeAndre Jordan is averaging 12 points and 15.4 rebounds. G Austin Rivers is averaging 15.6 points and 3.4 assists.

Numbers: Minnesota is 3-0 vs. the Clippers this season, winning by an average of 6.7 points. The Wolves are 7-1 at home vs. Pacific Conference teams.

Injuries: Wolves G Jimmy Butler (knee) is out. Clippers F Danilo Gallinari (hand) is questionable. G Avery Bradley (groin) and G Patrick Beverley (knee) are out.

Kent Youngblood