7 p.m. vs. Oklahoma City • Target Center • FSN, 830-AM
Thunder gets a rematch
Preview: Since Sunday — the last time the Wolves faced the Thunder — the Wolves have lost two games by a total of 44 points without the ailing Jimmy Butler. In less than a week a promising 2-1 start, which included a last-second victory in OKC has turned into a flashback to last season's defensively challenged team. The Thunder (2-2) responded to that loss to the Wolves by handily beating Indiana on Wednesday, the night after the Pacers had crushed Minnesota.
Players to watch: Wolves C Karl-Anthony Towns and F Taj Gibson both had point-rebound double-doubles vs. Oklahoma City Sunday. G Jeff Teague is coming off an 18-point, six-assist effort in Detroit. G Andrew Wiggins had 27 points, including the long game-winner, in Sunday's game. Thunder F Carmelo Anthony is coming off a season-high 28 points vs. Indiana. G Russell Westbrook, who had 31 points vs. Minnesota on Sunday, recorded his second triple-double of the season vs. Indiana.
Numbers: In the past two games the Wolves have been outscored on the fast break 42-6 (including 24-0 in Detroit) and 106-92 in the paint. The Pacers set a franchise record, hitting 66.7 percent of their shots Tuesday. That also tied a record for a Wolves opponent. It was also the eighth highest in the league in the past 25 years. No Timberwolf has a positive plus/minus rating.
Injuries: Wolves C Justin Patton (foot) is out. F Jimmy Butler (illness) is questionable. The Thunder reports no injuries.
Kent Youngblood
