Wolves gameday
7 P.M. at MEMPHIS • FSN (830-AM)
Preview: The Timberwolves, who won three out of four games heading into the All-Star break, hit the stretch run of the season with elevated confidence and an offense that has produced more than 100 points in five games in a row. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, might be reeling. They won six out of eight into the break — with both losses coming in overtime — but are faced with the reality that C Marc Gasol (broken foot) might be out for the rest of the season.
Players to watch: G Zach LaVine is coming off a weekend in which he both won the Rising Stars game MVP and defended his slam dunk title. F/C Karl-Anthony Towns, who won the skills challenge during All-Star weekend, had a career-high 35 points in the Wolves' come-from-behind victory over Toronto. G/F Andrew Wiggins has averaged 24.6 points in his past five games. Without Gasol, Memphis will rely more on F/C Zach Randolph, who is shooting 53.1 percent over his past 31 games. G Mike Conley leads the NBA with a 4.09-1 assist-to-turnover ratio.
Numbers: The teams split their first two games this season, both in Minnesota. The Wolves lead the league in free throws made per game (21.5). The Wolves have shot 50 percent or better in six of the past 13 games.
Injuries: Wolves G Kevin Martin (wrist), F Kevin Garnett (knee) and C Nikola Pekovic (foot) are questionable. F Nemanja Bjelica (foot) is out. … Grizzlies G Jordan Adams (knee surgery), C Marc Gasol (foot fracture) and F/C Brandan Wright (knee surgery) are out. F/C Chris Andersen (left knee) is questionable.
Kent Youngblood
