8 p.m. at Phoenix • Talking Stick Resort Arena • FSN, 830-AM
Wolves-Phoenix gameday preview
The Wolves have had their troubles against the Suns this season.
December 23, 2017 at 6:04AM
Preview: The 12-22 Suns have won three of their past four games. The start of that stretch was a 108-106 victory without injured star shooter Devin Booker at Target Center a week ago. They have come back from double-digit deficits in all three victories, the biggest being a 15-point deficit in that victory over the Wolves. … The two teams end their four-game season series Saturday: The Suns already have visited Minneapolis twice, splitting the games there. The Suns won 118-110 at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Nov. 11. … The Suns waived point guard Mike James on Friday, two weeks after he became the first two-way player in NBA history to sign a standard contract. James averaged 10.4 points and 3.8 assists and 20.9 minutes in 31 games, including scoring 26 against the Wolves on Nov. 26, but he did not play in two of the past four games.
Players to watch: Booker remains out, so forward T.J. Warren has stepped up. He scored 27 points in Thursday's 97-95 victory over the Grizzlies. The Suns are 7-0 when he scores 25 or more. He and Booker each scored 35 points in that Nov. 11 victory over the Wolves.
Injury: Wolves F Nemanja Bjelica participated in a full contact practice and could return as soon as Saturday after he missed the past 14 games because of a midfoot strain. Rookie C Justin Patton could be brought back to the NBA after Saturday's game. Booker (adductor strain), G Brandon Knight (ACL tear), G Davon Reed (knee) and F/C Alan Williams (knee) are all out.
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After receiving Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo in return, the Timberwolves now have one of the deepest and most versatile rosters in the league
