6:30 p.m. at Miami • FSN (830-AM)
Preview: The Timberwolves, 0-4 since Ricky Rubio went down because of a left hamstring strain, begin their second set of back-to-back games this season. The Wolves are in a stretch of five games in seven days, one that will end with Wednesday's game at Orlando. Miami, meanwhile, hasn't played since Thursday. Beginning with its victory over the Wolves on Nov. 5 at Target Center, the Heat has won four of five, including three in a row.
Players to watch: Wolves G Zach LaVine has scored 20 or more points in three of the past five games. F Andrew Wiggins has averaged 24.8 points in his past four starts. C Karl-Anthony Towns has six double-doubles. G Kevin Martin scored in double figures in his first seven appearances, but he has only 10 points on 3-for-15 shooting in his past two. … All five Miami starters are averaging in double figures, led by F Chris Bosh (19.0 ppg) and G Dwyane Wade (18.0). Wade had 25 points and Bosh 16 points and 12 rebounds in Miami's victory at Target Center. C Hassan Whiteside leads the league in blocks per game (4.0); he had five vs. the Wolves on Nov. 5.
Numbers: In Miami's 96-84 victory over the Wolves on Nov. 5, Heat starters outscored Wolves starters 81-29. … Miami is 5-1 at home, and the Wolves are 4-1 on the road. … The Heat is No. 1 in the NBA in points allowed (90.2) and tied for first in opponents' field-goal percentage (40.9). The Wolves have allowed 112.2 points and seen opponents shoot 51.5 percent over the past five games. … The Wolves have shot 50 percent or better in three of the past five games.
Injuries: Wolves C Nikola Pekovic (Achilles' tendon surgery) is out. PG Rubio (left hamstring strain) practiced Monday, and his status will be decided Tuesday. He is listed as questionable. The Heat reports no injuries.
KENT YOUNGBLOOD
